A WOMAN who broke her pelvis in five places in an accident involving a tractor and a slurry tanker has been given a special award for supporting the air ambulance crews who helped to save her life.

Michelle Raines has raised more £15,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), after organising a huge charity ball.

Michelle, from Harmby, near Leyburn, was a passenger in a tractor and slurry tanker in August 2018 when it slipped down a hillside and overturned, leaving her trapped and badly injured.

She said: “I remember seeing the trees at the bottom coming towards my boyfriend and me and then I shut my eyes. I remember him being thrown out of the cab somewhere on the journey, but my seatbelt kept me in the cab as it overturned. I can’t remember anything else until I arrived at the hospital.”

Michelle, 23, had broken her pelvis in five places and was flown to Leeds General Infirmary, where she had immediate surgery. During recovery she also suffered from a collapsed lung and pneumonia.

She added: “Initially, my injuries affected me quite dramatically, both physically and mentally. I spent two months in a wheelchair, which left my family running around after me and I became incredibly frustrated.”

But on returning to work six months after the accident she turned that frustration into action, organising the fundraising ball.

She said: “The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a fantastic and invaluable service, one that I am so grateful for. I am also grateful for the donations and fundraisers that keep this amazing service in the air, and anything anyone can do to give just a little to this very necessary service is very much appreciated as well as being vital to the charity. I was thrilled to even be nominated for this award, it was very unexpected.”

Michelle was presented with the Patient Fundraising Ambassador Award at the YAA’s recognition event.

Lin Stead, the regional fundraiser for the charity, said it was privately funded and needed to raise more than £4.4 million a year to keep the helicopter ambulances in the air, so fundraising by people like Michelle was invaluable. She said: “We were delighted to be able to recognise Michelle.”