A neighbour who helped fight to save the life of a little boy hit by a car is gearing up to cycle 128 miles to raise money for the child's family.

Charlie Golden suffered serious head and hip injuries in the crash six weeks ago and is still recovering at King's College Hospital in London.

The eight-year-old's parents Paul and Lauren, from Aylesham, are spending their days at his bedside, with continuous train journeys to and from the hospital.

Lee Tonk, who was first on the scene of the horrific crash alongside Charlie's dad, wants to raise money to help the family with bills, train fares and to put towards a holiday.

The engineer, who lives two doors down from the Goldens in Queen's Road, says the response has been amazing. The Aylesham community has rallied round and donated hundreds to a Just Giving page he set up, which reached £1,500 in just three days.

And family friends have even secured a message of support for the youngster from pop superstars Little Mix.

On August 31, Mr Tonk and eight other riders will cycle from Aylesham to King's College Hospital and back - 128 miles - to raise more funds.

The dad-of-one said: "I want to help an amazing, loving family who are currently going through unimaginable pain.

“They are spending most of their time at hospital to be with their son Charlie.

“The reason for raising money is to help them with mortgage and bill payments, help them with the train fares or to even put towards a holiday with Charlie and his 11-year-old brother Joe once he’s back on his feet."

'I’ve got a five-year-old son and as a parent this is your worst nightmare' - Lee Tonk

Charlie had been crossing Queen's Road to go to the park on Thursday, May 23, when he was hit by a car at around 5.45pm.

Mr Tonk saw through his window and rushed outside, calling emergency services as he, Mr Golden and another neighbour desperately attempted to give first aid before paramedics arrived.

Charlie was then airlifted to hospital with serious injuries to his head and pelvis.

“It was awful, I won’t ever be able to forget it,” said Mr Tonk.

“I’ve got a five-year-old son and as a parent this is your worst nightmare.

“We didn’t know if he was alive at first, but I checked his pulse and he then gasped for air."

Mr Tonk says the Aylesham community has been amazing in the aftermath.

"It’s a community that helps each other - I couldn't tell you how many people rushed out to help when it happened because there were so many,” he said.

"I can't thank them enough for getting behind the fundraising."

The 32-year-old also paid tribute to the emergency services who he says were outstanding dealing with Charlie, who is now making progress and recovering from his brain injury.

According to family and friends, the Little Mix fan had been in a coma but started saying lyrics from their songs when he first woke up.

This sparked a message from the girl group wishing him a speedy recovery on Twitter.

To get behind the fundraising campaign visit https://bit.ly/31RK3kJ

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