AIR ambulance bosses have had a boost in donations this week following the accident which left BBC Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond fighting for his life.

Thousands of pounds have already been donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which was at the scene of Mr Hammond’s crash within minutes on September 20.

But now it has emerged that the Marden-based Kent Air Ambulance has also been boosted following the publicity surrounding the accident.

Head of fund-raising, Jill Playle, said: “There has been a significant increase in the number of donations and the number of those donations over this week.

“We have also seen a huge increase in the number of visitors to our website and to the Association of Air Ambulances web site.

“The greatest benefit is that it has raised our profile but it is a real shame that it has taken an accident like this to raise awareness of the vital work of the air ambulances.”

Mr Hammond’s brother, Nicholas, 32, lives in Tunbridge Wells.