A man who was saved by Surrey Air Ambulance after a serious car accident has raised almost £10,000 to keep the helicopter flying.

Darren Cooper, 27, competed his annual 10-mile North Downs Walk, which is open to the public, last month.

He had been driving to work when his car veered across the road and hit a tree on the A322 at Knaphill in March 2008.

He was cut free by firefighters, and anaesthetised by the helicopter emergency medical service crew.

After being airlifted to the neurological centre at King’s College Hospital, London, and after two operations to rebuild his eye socket he made a complete recovery.

He said: “I feel really proud the North Downs Walk has become such a popular event and a really good fundraiser for the Surrey Air Ambulance.

“The money raised this year is absolutely amazing and there were quite a few new faces.

“I was among three walkers who were rescued by the helicopter.”

Visit northdownswalk.co.uk to donate to the appeal.