Boy meets air crew who saved him

The crew said they were pleased to see Craig making a good recovery

A six-year-old boy who suffered horrific injuries when he was hit by a truck near his home has been reunited with the paramedics who saved his life.

Craig Boardman was trapped under the front wheel of the wagon in the accident, which happened in Dishforth, North Yorkshire, on 1 June.

He was flown to hospital by Yorkshire Air Ambulance and remained on life support for nearly two weeks.

Craig went to meet the air ambulance crew at Leeds Bradford Airport.

The six-year-old is now using a frame to help him walk but needs a wheelchair when he goes out.

Parent's 'worst nightmare'

His mum Kelly said: "It was every parent's worst nightmare. He was trapped under the front wheel of the wagon and his older brother was trying to get him out.

"We didn't realise how serious his injuries were until we got to hospital.

"We were told that all his internal organs had been crushed and we had to prepare ourselves for the fact that he probably wouldn't make it.

"It was only by turning off his life support that we were able to find out if he would survive and thankfully he did. He's amazed everyone with how quickly he's recovering and is already back to his cheeky little ways!"

They gave us our son back and we're so grateful Craig's mum, Kelly Boardman

During his trip, Craig met paramedics Pete Vallance and Darren Axe and Yorkshire Air Ambulance pilot Paul Curtis.

Ms Boardman said Craig "absolutely loved" his trip to meet the crew who saved his life.

She said: "He hasn't shut up about it. He wants to show everyone the pictures of him and the helicopter.

"I want to thank the crew for their help. I can't thank them enough. Without them Craig wouldn't have got to hospital in time and wouldn't be here now. Along with all the doctors and nurses, they gave us our son back and we're so grateful."

Craig's father, Corporal Dave Boardman of 9 Regiment Army Air Corps, plans to hold a fundraising event for Yorkshire Air Ambulance to show the family's appreciation.