A FARMER who was saved by air ambulance paramedics after a near-fatal angle grinder accident helped raise a massive fundraising total for the crew.

Adam Brown, who runs Dairy House farm in Great Holland, was seriously injured in 2009 when the blade of the angle grinder he was using cracked.

The force sent Adam tumbling to the floor while still holding the machine, with the blade leaving a serious gash in his neck and missing his jugular vein by millimetres.

Adam managed to call 999 and the Essex Air Ambulance rushed paramedics to his side.

He was flown to specialist surgeons in Romford who removed metal shards from Adam’s neck and patched him up.

Adam made a full recovery and pledged to raise cash to support the air ambulance which saved his life.

Last year he completed the three peaks mountain endurance challenge with a group of friends and fellow farmers.

The group scaled Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in a 22-hours, raising a massive £13,000 in sponsorship.

Adam said: "We were stunned and absolutely delighted with the total we raised.

“I wanted to thank the crew and help others. The money raised will pay for my flight and help them go out to save other people too."

The fundraising total was boosted to more than £17,000 with a successful charity ball held by the Tendring Hundred Farmers Club.