YOUNG Ali Layard, a Year 11 student at Wellington School who sustained life-changing injuries in a boating accident, has been honoured at the National Air Ambulance Awards.

Ali won the Outstanding Young Person award and was presented with his trophy by celebrity Richard Madeley after Great Western Air Ambulance nominated Ali for his fundraising efforts on its behalf.

Ali spent four months in hospital and had numerous complicated operations after his legs were caught in the propeller of a narrowboat. The air ambulance charity rescued him and airlifted him to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

Ali was told he would not walk unaided again but he has become an outstanding cricketer playing for Wellington School first team and being part of the elite cricket programme.

He also plays for the Boys U15s Somerset cricket squad and is a member of the England Physical Disability Lions squad.

Ali ran the Bristol 10K to raise awareness and funds for the air ambulance alongside his father, Andrew, and Peter Sadler, the paramedic who was at his side during the rescue.

Ali’s mother Sophie said: “Ali received a standing ovation from 350 industry-seasoned pros – pilots, paramedics, doctors – who live and breathe trauma. Apparently, they very rarely feel compelled to raise to their feet – it was quite rather humbling for us parents.”