Aintree youngster Tom Henwood thanks North West Air Ambulance for rescue with charity bike ride

A young cyclist will go on the longest ride of his life to raise money for North West Air Ambulance after it came to his rescue.Nine-year-old Tom Henwood, of Aintree, was airlifted to Ormskirk hospital following a fall at school while playing football.


The youngsters had a suspected back injury and his body “froze”.

Thankfully he was later given the all-clear and he is now planning the eight-mile bike ride to show his gratitude.

Mum Susan said: “Doctors said Tom gave his bones a fright. He tensed himself up and then went in to a spasm, which was why he froze up.”

Tom, a pupil at Aintree Davenhill primary school, added: “My back was sore for two weeks. It felt like pins and needles and I was worried if I was going to be OK. My muscles froze when I fell over but the paramedic Ian kept me calm.”

North West Air Ambulance is a charity and relies on donations to operate.

Tom came up with the idea of doing a sponsored bike ride from Aintree to Ormskirk, which will take place this Saturday.

He said: “I could not ride my bike for two weeks, which was awful because I cycle everywhere.

“So when I was able to get back on it, I decided to do a sponsored bike ride.

“I feel very excited. I know it is going to be a long trip but I like being on my bike. It will be big challenge riding to Ormskirk. It is eight miles and I have never ridden that far before. I just keep practising, especially to go up Holborn Hill. I am a bit worried because it is steep. But I am looking forward to doing it.

So far, Tom has exceeded his £100 target through sponsorship from schoolfriends and neighbours.

Susan added: “He has been in training for the past week. He is always on his bike – he rides to school every day and goes everywhere on it.

“He will be cycling along the A59 with his stepdad Peter accompanying him to make sure he is safe. The air ambulance has invited Tom to look around the control room and he will present the cheque then.”

Donations can be made through Aintree Davenhill primary school.