Fund for crash boy raises £44,200

The money raised will go into a trust fund for Macauley

A fund set up for a boy who survived a crash that killed four family members has closed after raising £44,200.

Paula Gilbert, 29, her partner Neil Jex, 37 and sons Tristan, three and Kaiden, seven months, from Hebburn died on the A1 near Catterick on 3 March.

Macauley Gilbert, eight, from South Tyneside, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

Paramedics from Yorkshire Air Ambulance who attended the scene set up the appeal for the youngster.

Air ambulance crews dubbed Macauley the "miracle boy" and set up a special website to receive donations, which has collected more than £24,000 of that cash.

'Brighter future'

The money raised will now be put into a trust fund to help Macauley when he is older.

Macauley Gilbert was treated for two broken legs and a broken wrist at Middlesbrough's James Cook Hospital.

He was later transferred to Sunderland Royal Hospital before being released at the end of March.

Martin Eede, air ambulance chief executive, said: "I met with members of the family this week and they have asked me to pass on their gratitude to everyone who has donated to the appeal.

"With your help Macauley has a far brighter future than could have been expected a few weeks ago."