A much-loved father from Warwickshire who was airlifted to hospital following a serious garden accident has left a £20,000 gift in his Will to the charity that saved his life.

On 6 November 2011, 76-year-old Richard Periam was enjoying his large-scale model railway at his property when the train veered off its tracks and fell on top of him, leaving him with a broken back and multiple fractured vertebrae.

Richard was airlifted by The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS), receiving urgent care at the scene before being flown to University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire where he spent seven weeks recovering from his injuries.

Despite the severity of his injuries, Richard never lost his sense of humour and remained deeply grateful to the crew who came to his aid. He was slightly embarrassed and more than a little disappointed that his first ever helicopter ride was one he was unable to properly enjoy.

After the accident, he became a committed supporter of the charity, donating £39,850 over several years before leaving a further £20,000 gift in his Will.

Richard passed away aged 88, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, community spirit and quiet generosity - and a gift that will help save countless lives.

His son, William Periam, said: "He was really grateful to the crew that went out to him and after his accident, he realised how essential it was to everyone. My father and our family were and are forever grateful to The Air Ambulance Service. They saved his life."

A much-loved father from Warwickshire who was airlifted to hospital following a serious garden accident has left a £20,000 gift in his Will to the charity that saved his life (image supplied)

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Lynda Copson, Legacy Fundraising Executive for The Air Ambulance Service, added: "We were deeply saddened to hear of Richard's passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity he showed to the service. Gifts like Richard's help ensure that we can be there for others facing their darkest and most unexpected moments."

The Air Ambulance Service operates helicopter emergency medical services under 'Your Local Air Ambulance' serving Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland. It also runs the National Children's Air Ambulance, a unique helicopter transfer service across the UK. It receives no government funding for its daily operations and relies entirely on public donations and support.

The charity's most ambitious capital appeal launched last month, supporting the creation of two new air bases. To learn more about the 'Big Bases Appeal', visit here.

As the service marks Gifts in Wills month this March, it is inviting supporters to consider including a gift to help future patients. You can have a simple Will written or updated free of charge with participating solicitors.

To find out more about including a gift in your Will, visit here.