A CLOSE friend of farmer Darren Taylor who was seriously injured in a tragic farming accident is looking to raise money for him and the charity which saved his life.

Amanda Goddard, 40, Rawcliffe, will be doing a tandem skydive to raise money for the Darren Taylor Trust Fund and The Yorkshire Air Ambulance after Darren lost both his legs and damaged his arm when he became trapped in a potato harvester last October.

Amanda who has known Darren’s wife Nicky since a very young age and has known Darren for at least ten years, was devastated to learn of his accident when it happened.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it, but Nicky has been so strong – I think I’ve cried more than she has."

The skydive for Darren will be Amanda’s first.

Amanda said: “Someone suggested to me that skydiving would be a great idea to raise money. It’s something a bit scary so I hope to raise more because of that.”

So far Amanda has managed to collect just over £600 but she is looking to raise a total of £2,000.

The money for the Darren Taylor Trust Fund will go towards his recovery and adapting things within his home. At the moment Darren is staying in a hospital bed downstairs but eventually changes will have to be made for him upstairs.

Money will also go to The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, an independent charity which provides a rapid life-saving service to five million people across Yorkshire, to show Darren, his family and friends’ appreciation for saving his life.

In order to keep providing this service and keep Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and in the air The Yorkshire Air Ambulance need to raise £7,200 per day.

Amanda said: “I think Darren’s grateful he’s actually still alive. He’s trying to stay positive and he’s been amazing. He’s talked about getting his legs back on and getting back on the farm.”

Amanda will be doing the tandem skydive in Bridlington on June 1. To make a donation visit bmycharity.com/mandagoddard