Heartfelt donation in memory of much-loved Benwick teenager

The family and close friends, from in and around the Benwick, presented a cheque for £3,051 to Magpas Air Ambulance in honour of a much loved young man.

Thomas Chesser was 17-years-old when he was involved in a fatal motorbike incident in August this year. Following the family’s tragic loss, a collection was made at Tom’s funeral. In addition, a crowdfunding page was set up by a family friend, which many members of the local community kindly supported.

Recently, Tom’s mother Rachel Scutchings, together with nine friends and family members, visited the Magpas Air Ambulance Operations Base to present a cheque to the charity that flew to her son on the day of his accident.

Rachel said: “On behalf of close friends and family, we want to say thank you. We are overwhelmed by people’s generosity and their kind messages of love and support. Tom was clearly well known and much loved.

"He also really cared about his family and friends. He had an endless amount of energy, a love of music, a passion for life and a smile that could light up a room. Tom was always busy; he was in the cadets, the Cambridgeshire Caledonian Pipe Band, he attended The Greater Peterborough UTC and also had an apprenticeship with Peter Brotherhood.

"He had so many plans and a great future ahead of him. It’s fair to say that Tom has left a footprint on everyone's hearts and he will be remembered forever by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was taken too soon and will be loved always.”

Rachel added: “We are also extremely grateful to the Thomas Deacon Education Trust Catering Team, The Five Alls of Benwick, staff of The Greater Peterborough UTC, as well as staff of Peter Brotherhood.

“We hope that this money will help to keep the wonderful Magpas Air Ambulance team up in the air.”