A man airlifted to hospital by Midlands Air Ambulance following a serious road accident in Shropshire is to spend an hour standing on the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square to raise money for the life-saving charity.

John Mawdsley suffered extensive injuries following a road accident on the M54 in August last year.

The 31-year-old had been heading to Wales when he suddenly became ill at the wheel of his car, which subsequently overturned on the motorway.

Air medics aboard Helimed 03, the Shropshire based Midlands Air Ambulance, were on scene within minutes to treat Mr Mawdsley for multiple injuries before he was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke on Trent.

Mr Mawdsley, who lives in Felixstowe, is one of 2,400 people chosen to take the spotlight on the fourth plinth in the famous London square as part of Antony Gormley’s One & Other project.

He is scheduled to take his turn on the plinth at noon on September 16.

Mr Mawdsley said: “At first I thought this would be a bit of fun and I’d dress up as Superman or something.

“Then I realised I could do something more productive so I’m raising awareness and funds for Midlands Air Ambulance, the organisation who saved my life last year after a car crash.”ÊÊÊ

West Midlands Air Ambulance spokesman Steve Parry said: “This is the first time someone has supported our charity as part of the fourth plinth project in London.”