THE families of two teenagers whose lives were saved by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance are backing a fundraiser to support the charity.

Saskia Kirkham Burke, 18, from Malton and 19-year-old Luke Clemmit, who lives in Pickering, were both seriously injured in a car accident on the A169 between the two towns in August.

They were airlifted to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough where they had underwentemergency surgery for their injuries.

Luke’s mum Lisa Robinson said she had been working nearby at the time of the accident and was one of the first on the scene.

“I could see Luke’s car and people talking to him but they wouldn’t let me near as they said his legs had been badly smashed,” she added.

“I could see Saskia laying on the floor and thought she must have come through the window.”

Lisa said she wasn’t allowed in the air ambulance, which had taken just 12 minutes to reach the hospital.

“When I finally got there I was able to speak to Luke and give him a kiss before he was taken to theatre where he had underwent a five-hour operation which was incredibly scary and seemed to take forever.”

Lisa said Luke had broken both legs and badly damaged his knees.

“He was in hospital for nearly three weeks and needed a lot of physio,” she said. “I was shocked how quickly he was back on his feet. It was amazing. I never thought I would see it. The whole experience has completely changed his outlook on life. Whereas before he was looking at doing an apprenticeship in plumbing he has now gone back to school to resit his A-levels and is looking at becoming a physiotherapist.”

Saskia’s mum, Ali, said her daughter was also recovering well although had recently been referred to Newcastle Hospital for plastic surgery.

“She broke both arms and suffered severe bruising down her chest and is doing really well but the scarring is really awful,” she said.

Ali said she had received a phone call saying Saskia had been involved in an accident and had driven with her husband to the scene.

“I jumped out of the car while it was still moving when I saw all the flashing lights,” she added.

“It was such a shock to see so many emergency services, I’ve never seen any thing like it. Luckily I was allowed in the helicopter and was able to hold the gas and air for Saskia.

“They got us to the hospital so quickly which was amazing. I can’t thank them enough. They saved her life.”

Both families are now supporting a calendar printed in aid of the Yorkshire and Great North Air Ambulance which has been produced by Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre in Malton where Ali teaches and her sister, Angela Kirkham, is a director.

Angela said: “My niece Saskia and Luke are doing very well now and as a thank you we turned what was to be our summer fun photos in first and fifth ballet positions into this fundraiser.

“Our pupils have been extremely creative and have sent photographs in from all parts of the globe. We have also got celebrities and even a Beefeater at the Tower of London.”

The calendars, £8, can be bought from Kirkham Henry Performing Arts Centre, Horsemarket Road, Malton, phone 01653 693310 or email info@kirkhamhenry.co.uk