FAMILY and friends have rallied round to raise more than £1,000 for a young cyclist who suffered life-changing injuries in a crash.

Levi Groom, 13, was airlifted to hospital last Thursday and underwent six hours of surgery. 

The initial operation, and a further one on Tuesday, were not totally successful, so Levi underwent his third operation on his leg in six days yesterday, Wednesday.

Just after 1.10pm on May 31 police officers were called to reports of a collision in High Street involving a silver BMW.

An air ambulance landed behind the Golden Lion pub, before taking Levi to Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool.

Linda Whyte, whose son attends Winsford Academy with Levi, set up a justgiving page following the crash to help Levi and his family through the trauma. It has now passed the £1,000 target.

Levi’s mum Ria said: “Levi is very lucky to be alive, and will be in hospital for a lengthy time. I am overwhelmed at all the well-wishers and thankful to all the witnesses. We cannot thank people enough for their support and care.”

A spokesman for Winsford Academy said: "The Winsford Academy would like to extend our very best wishes to Levi and his family during this difficult time.

"All the Academy staff and pupils wish Levi a very speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him again when he is well."

Police inquiries are ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to call 101, quoting IML 79875. To donate go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/levigroom