Berkshire and Hampshire bikers' Thames Valley Air Ambulance fundraiser in honour of man injured in Midgham crash

The family of a young motorcyclist hospitalised after a major collision in Midgham held an event in tribute to him on Saturday, raising money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance – a service credited with saving his life.

Harvey Sims, 22, sustained serious injuries after his bike collided with a car near the Coach and Horses pub on the A4 on Monday, August 16.

His mother, Trina Young, said that the surgeon who treated Mr Sims after the crash described the operation as one of the most complex they had ever performed, such was the severity of his injuries.

Although currently confined to a wheelchair, the young man is making a recovery – and his family attributes this to the work of hospital staff and responders on the scene.

Among those who provided assistance were Thames Valley Air Ambulance workers, who airlifted him to John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mr Sims' friends and family set out to honour the service with a fundraiser, held at The Starting Gate pub in Newbury.

The event on Saturday evening was laid on by publicans Nathan and Sian Cousins.

It was attended by dozens of people, including members of local motorcycle clubs.

Among these were representatives from Baphomet MC, God's Squad MC, Fukarwe Tribe MC and Savages MC – of which Mr Sims is a member.

Local band JJ and the Jukes entertained guests with a selection of rock 'n' roll hits, including old favourites from Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry.

A raffle was held on the night, with a variety of biker-themed prizes on offer to guests.

Speaking of her son, Mrs Young said: "I felt quite emotional seeing his club arrive in mass and support Harvey – that was quite nice.

"Lots of clubs have appeared, and have a lot of respect for him. He's only 22, and that's nice – as a mum, that's really nice.

"He wishes he could be here – he thinks it's great, and he misses us all. Being stuck in hospital for nine weeks is not ideal, and he just misses all his friends and family."

Harvey's father Richie Sims appeared on stage to offer his appreciation to attendees: "Thank you to all the clubs for turning out, thank you for your generosity, for all the money we've raised so far – I believe it's near enough over £500.

"That's absolutely brilliant."

A GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for Mr Sims has almost reached its £5,000 target, and is still open for donations.