A father has completed a commemorative bike ride to honour his “beautiful” daughter who died in a three-vehicle crash.

Colin Williams, from Aylesford, has raised thousands for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) which helped Aimee during her final moments.

“Before she died, we had our first grandson from our other daughter, who was eight weeks at the time,” the 61-year-old said.

“If it wasn't for him, I don't know how we'd have coped, because he was a massive distraction for us.

“People say you get over the grief bit by bit, but it's very hard.

“I know our lives have completely changed. We will never forget her. We have our good days and we have our bad days.”

Yesterday (Thursday) Colin, along with 25 family and friends, cycled from Redhill to Rochester in memory of his daughter.

The 30-year-old was one of two people killed in a three-vehicle accident on March 28, 2022.

It happened on the A272 between Cowfold and West Grinstead, near Horsham, at around 11.30am.

Aimee worked at Maidstone Hospital, having previously been employed by Norwegian Airways. She left behind her father, Colin, her mother, Wendy and sister, Mollie.

A statement released by her family at the time said: "Aimee was a beautiful, happy, kind daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister and more recently devoted auntie.

"She had countless friends and work colleagues and touched the lives of many with her infectious smile and positive lust for life.

"Her tragic death has left a gaping hole in all our lives. We are grateful to all the first responders who attended the scene and tried to save her life.

"To lose your daughter in these circumstances is every parent's worst nightmare and our grief is unimaginable and unbearable.”

On the second anniversary of her death, Colin wanted to raise money for KSS to say thank-you for helping his daughter during her final moments.

They offer an aftercare service to help former patients and bereaved families connect with the doctors, paramedics, pilots and dispatchers who were involved.

Six months after the accident, Colin was able to meet the crew who were at the scene and hear how they looked after Aimee.

“It took a couple of hours and it was very professional,” he explained.

“They went through everything they did for Aimee – how they tried to help and how they made her last half an hour really nice and peaceful.

“She had people caring for her by her side and was given drugs so that she wasn’t in pain.

“It seems a bit morbid, but you want to know what her final 10 minutes were like because you couldn’t be there as a parent.

“It's a brilliant service that not many people know about. It was a great comfort to me, my wife and my daughter.”

One of those who took part in the memorial ride was Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford.

She has known Colin for the last five years through his work as a councillor representing Aylesford South on Tonbridge and Malling council. Aimee was also one of Tracey’s neighbours.

Speaking to KentOnline before the bike ride, she said: “Aylesford village is a very close-knit community. It was a shock to everyone.

“For me, Aimee was the kind of person that would bring sunshine into the most miserable of days.

“She always had a smile on her face. She was a ray of joy and optimism.”

She added: “Aimee would be laughing her pants off at her dad, uncle and brother-in-law coming together to do this.

“I think it's going to be incredibly emotional but also a strangely celebratory event at the same time.”

At 10am, the group set off from Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. It took around five hours and about 40 miles.

Part of the journey involved travelling along the historic Pilgrims Way from Otford to Wrotham.

After battling strong winds and some rain, they made it to Rochester Airport at 3pm.

A JustGiving page has been set up and has already received more than 400 donations.

It has also beaten the £11,000 target – which is the equivalent of three air ambulance callouts.

If you would like to donate click here.

KSS’s challenge manager, Lola Inge, said: “As a charity we depend on the support of the communities we serve and people such as Colin, his family and friends who raise money for us.

“Seeing Colin take on the challenge of riding between our two bases in memory of Aimee, and persuading so many others to join him, has been truly inspirational for everyone at KSS.

“Seeing so many people complete this challenge in dreadful weather was truly humbling.

“Colin has raised an incredible amount for KSS and we are incredibly grateful for his support.

“The money he has helped raise to support our lifesaving work will have a real impact on the people in our communities in need of our care.”