A HORSE rider whose life was saved by an air ambulance crew after a horrific accident hopes to raise thousands of pounds for the service.

Sarah Beal, 20, was seriously injured after being crushed by her horse, Archie, when it reared and fell on top of her when she was on a hunt in November 2004.

She suffered massive internal bleeding and a crushed pelvis and would not have survived a road trip to hospital from her home in Yedingham, near Malton, close to where the accident happened.

But, thanks to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, she was taken to York Hospital within 20 minutes, where doctors could perform immediate surgery.

Now, along with her mum Helen Beal, 44, she hopes to raise thousands of pounds at a hog roast in June.

Sarah, an estate agent at Cundalls, in Malton, said: "I just wanted to make some money for them really because they do not get any Government funding and if it was not for them I would not be here today.

"They got me to the hospital so quickly. I am very grateful to the service."

Farmer's wife Helen said: "The air ambulance saved her life. The land ambulance did a fantastic job but it was just the speed the air ambulance got her to hospital because she needed immediate surgery. She was in intensive care for about a week afterwards."

The family previously held a fundraiser two years ago that raised more than £12,000 for the air ambulance.

The event will be held on June 29 at Abbey Farm, in Yedingham, and will include a hog roast and an auction.

Helen said she hoped more than 300 people would attend, adding: "I just want to do everything I can to raise as much money as possible for them to say thanks.

"Without them Sarah would not be here. You do not realise until you actually need the service how invaluable it is."

Tickets for the fundraising event cost £15 for adults and £10 for under 18s.