A YOUNGSTER rescued by Matt Cardle after suffering serious head injuries has helped to raise hundreds of pounds for the air ambulance.

Haydn Vaughan-Peacock, 14, fell off his bike trying to perform a stunt at the skate park in Ramsey Road, Halstead.

He was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe bleeding on the brain.

X Factor star Matt and his friend Tom took the Ramsey Academy pupil to his home, in Parker Way, Halstead, and he was later airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, by the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

He underwent a three-hour emergency operation and has been on a recovery programme.

It happened in August last and since then his family have been determined to raise money for the East Anglian and Essex air ambulances as a thank you.

They decided to outdo their usual Christmas lights display and covered as much of their home as they could with lights, snowmen and festive signs.

Visitors came from far and wide to see the festive decorations and began signing hundreds of baubles to put on the Christmas tree in the family’s front garden.

Mum Mariea said: “It was really nice and it was sad having to take all the baubles down after Christmas.

“Due to people’s generosity, we have so far raised a total of £443 from our display.

“The Ramsey Academy, which has been supportive of Haydn since his accident, also raised £444 with a nonuniform day.”

Haydn is now able to go back to school full-time.

The family are continuing to speak out about the importance of wearing helmets.