A TEENAGER left fighting for his life after a car smash has raised more than £5,000 for the hospital and rehabilitation centre that helped him.
Thomas Maylor, 19, who is slowly recovering from the crash in June 2006, defied doctors’ bleak prognosis for his survival.
Thomas, of Royds Avenue, Accrington, suffered brain injuries when the car he was travelling in veered off Haslingden Old Road, Oswaldtwistle, and was on a life support machine at the Royal Preston Hospital.
He still suffers from short-term memory problems and struggles with his mobility but he is slowly improving after many months of rehabilitation and treatment.
Thomas, who lives with his mum Marie, 41, dad Stephen, 47, and sisters Emily, 18, and Ruby, 11, has taken part in a number of fund-raising events to raise £2,581 for both the Royal Preston Hospital and the Rakehead Rehabilitation Centre, Burnley.
Their first event was an auction organised by family friends Joanne Clegg and Jamila Parkins at the Alma Inn, Manchester Road, Baxenden.
The friends contacted a large number of local businesses, incl-uding Marks and Spencer, and asked for donations which could be auctioned off during the evening.
Another family friend, David Clegg, led a sponsored walk up Ben Nevis earlier in the year.
Last week the family presented staff at Rakehead with their cheque on the centre’s 21st anni-versary.
They hope to present staff at the Royal Preston Hospital with a similar cheque next month.
Thomas’s mum said: "We couldn’t have raised so much money without all the help of our close family and friends.
"We felt it was important to give something back to the hospital and the centre that has helped Thomas so much since his accident."
Thomas, is now looking at new rehabilitation centres, including True in Wigan, to help him progress further.
