A25, Luke Holland, Surrey Air Ambulance

A campaign in memory of Luke Holland, who tragically died in a car crash on the A25 in January, has raised more than £25,000.

Following the death of their only child Luke in January this year Neil, 46, and Sally Holland, 44, of Glenfield Road, Brockham, started a campaign to raise £10,000 for the London and Surrey Air Ambulance Services.

Team spirit: Sally and Neil Holland (to the right of the men in red) with their supporters and the air ambulance team they have raised funds for
Remembered: Luke Holland remains in the hearts of the Dorking community

They were inspired to start the campaign after Mr Holland, who was also in the crash, survived critical injuries thanks to the air ambulance team.

Their fundraising initiative officially comes to an end at the end of the month and the formal total is a staggering £29,234.73.

Speaking to the Advertiser Mr Holland thanked the community of Dorking and the surrounding area for helping them to create something positive out of their tragedy.

Mr Holland was particularly touched that schools in the area had done mufti days to raise money for the cause and for the surprise donations that came from people across the district.

He said: "It has been a fantastic achievement but obviously I would trade that £29,000 tomorrow if I could have my son back.

"We didn't expect to be receiving this type of money initially, we really feel very fortunate as a couple, to be thought of by so many people. It has really kept us going."

Mr Holland, who has made an 80 per cent recovery, was one of a team of supporters who raised the bulk of the funds in the British 10km London run on July 6.

He also praised his wife of 21 years, Sally, for her support.

He said: "My wife has been a star. She has had to take on more than me, as she had to deal with Luke and I.

"I am very fortunate. I don't know how I would have got through this without her."

Although the campaign is now closed the Hollands are in the process of arranging a yearly event in memory of Luke for young people.

Neil said: "We were thinking of doing something like a marshalled fun run and we want to raise a donation for the air ambulance every year."

They are also going to have a memorial match every September between the two football teams that Luke used to play for, the Brockham Badgers and the Ockley Acorns.