Niall Robson was only nine years old when he was hit by a van while walking to school on 27 November 2024.

His right leg was crushed by the wheels of the van and he suffered a broken femur, broken tibia and fibula, and extensive tissue loss to his lower leg.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) responded to the incident and their helicopter landed on the field at Newcomen Primary School, which Niall attends.

The critical care team from GNAAS worked alongside paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) and provided advanced pain relief to Niall, before accompanying him on the journey to hospital.

Niall spent four weeks at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, including two weeks in the children’s critical care unit, before returning home just before Christmas.

Niall was readmitted in January for further plastic surgery and has undergone 11 reconstructive surgeries so far.

His mother Julie Robson, 45, said: “Niall is making a fantastic recovery, largely due to his positivity and resilience. He attends regular physiotherapy sessions at James Cook Hospital and has exercises to do at home. He also attends the Occupational Health scar clinic regularly.”

To say thank you to GNAAS, and to show how far he’s progressed in his recovery, Niall set himself the challenge of walking from the scene of his incident in Redcar to Saltburn to raise money for the charity.

He was joined by his mother, father Michael, 45, older sister Libby, 13, and grandparents Peter and Jackie.

The group walked along the seafront in Redcar, through Marske and then onto the beach for the final section where they reached the pier in Saltburn.

Julie said: “Despite his leg starting to feel a little sore at the halfway point, he rallied brilliantly and as ever, gritted his teeth and pushed on. It was an amazing feeling to watch him reach the pier with a huge smile on his face. The past year has meant that I have become used to being blown away by Niall’s bravery, his refusal to give in when things get tough and the joy he brings to everyone around him. He is a little inspiration to us all.”

Originally Niall hoped to raise £500, but he was blown away by the generosity of supporters who collectively raised £1,615.

Niall’s fundraising efforts were also supported by Ingleby Manor Academy, where his dad works as an executive principal within Delta Education Trust. Staff and students chose GNAAS as the focus of their annual charity fundraising day and some of them were given the opportunity to visit GNAAS’ base.

Niall, who is now 11 years old, also visited the base with his family and they were given the opportunity to meet the charity’s critical care team who helped him.

Julie said: “Niall loved his guided tour and getting the chance to go inside the training helicopter they have on site. The day was made extra special for all three of us because we got to meet and say thank you to the crew who had attended Niall at the roadside.”