THE family of a five-year-old Co Derry boy who died after being struck by a van have raised vital funds in his memory.
Ollie Simmons-Watt from Limavady had been on his bike when he was hit by the vehicle in October.
The ambulance service and air ambulance attended and the little boy was taken to hospital, but he died from his injuries.
Ollie had just started P2 at Roe Valley Integrated PS and was looking forward to the year ahead.
Following his death, his family, friends and local communities from Limavady and Donemana came together to raise funds for the Air Ambulance.
His parents, Gareth and Stacie, had asked for donations to the charity in lieu of flowers, which raised more than £5,000 and along with a two other fundraising events, a total of £12,690 was gathered for the Air Ambulance NI in memory of Ollie.
His family said they wanted to "sincerely thank the entire community who donated so generously in Ollie’s memory and helped them commemorate his life".
The huge contribution will help fund over two days of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, which brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the north.
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said: "On behalf of the entire team we want to send our condolences to Ollie’s family and friends.
"His death is tragic, and it is so humbling that the family chose to do something so positive that will help other families in need.
"The support from the local community is wonderful and shows how much people want to remember Ollie, help support the family and make a difference to a future patient."
