A FAMILY who were told to “prepare for the worst” before their daughter battled back from the brink of death have thanked the air medics that helped to save her life.

Sandra and Graham Walkington and son Paul have paid tribute to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) which airlifted Lauren, 19, to hospital following a crash on the A168 near Boroughbridge last September.

Lauren suffered multiple injuries including a traumatic brain injury. The GNAAS aircrew put her into a medically-induced coma and spent six weeks in hospital and three weeks at Lascelles Rehabilitation Unit in Harrogate. She still suffers from memory loss, double vision and pins and needles.

Lauren said: “My life has been put on hold for a year since the crash, but I wouldn’t have that life if it wasn’t for GNAAS. Thank you for giving me a future.”

Mrs Walkinton added: “GNAAS saved her life. If it wasn’t for them, then she wouldn’t be here. I am just so pleased we have been able to thank the crew in person, although we will never be able to thank them enough.”

The family have since held a fundraising race right in their local village to raise funds for the charity.