A REDDITCH man who received multiple injuries in a horrific motorway smash is giving back to the charity that helped saved his life.

Thomas Reeves, who was travelling along the M42 in 2008 when his lorry was involved in a multi-vehicle accident, has raised more than £1,000 for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity over the past five years.

Mr Reeves suffered serious leg, chest and head injuries in the smash and was left trapped inside the wreckage before being airlifted to Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital.

Since the accident, to mark each anniversary since the crash, Mr Reeves holds a garden barbecue at his Lakeside home and raises money for the charity.

"The Air Ambulance and trauma staff were fantastic," Tom said. "I certainly wouldn't be here without them."

A witness to the accident said it was one of the worst she had seen.

"Tom's recovery is testament to the speed and skill of all concerned and of course, to Tom's strength," she added.

Mr Reeves, who hopes to hold another charity barbecue before the end of summer due to the poor weather, said he will be continuing his fundraising for many years to come.

The Midlands Air Ambulance charity receives no Government or lottery funding.