A DAD has spoken of the terrifying incident that inspired him to help raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Rob Lewis' young daughter Georgia suffered serious head injuries after falling from her horse.

Her mum Danielle, a paediatric sister, was on hand to provide immediate first aid and the youngster was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.

Now, a year on, Georgia – who was five at the time – has made a complete recovery.

And her grateful dad is part of a team of businessmen which is aiming to conquer 12 mountains in as many months in aid of the air ambulance.

"Georgia had just had a riding lesson and then something spooked the horse," said Mr Lewis, 42, of Steeton, who is managing director of credit control agency Corporate & Commercial.

"Her foot got caught in the stirrup and she was dragged along.

"Her head repeatedly hit the ground and she suffered an open skull fracture and lots of tiny repetitive bleeds in the brain.

"She was put into an induced coma and the first couple of days were touch and go.

"But because she got immediate first aid from my wife, and the air ambulance got her to the right hospital in minutes, she made it."

Georgia was treated by LGI's specialist trauma team and remained in hospital for over a week.

"It doesn't bear thinking about what would have happened if Danielle had not been there and if Georgia had had to make the journey to hospital by road ambulance," said Mr Lewis.

He and his fellow walkers, known as the Walk Society, are now over half way through their challenge.

Among their latest conquests was Bowfell and for the first time since beginning their gruelling campaign, they didn't have to contend with wintry conditions.

"It makes such a difference to your mindset when the sun is on your back," said Mr Lewis.

"For once we were not bedecked in winter gear!"

They have also recently conquered Ben Nevis, and mountains still on their 'to do' list include Snowdon and Scafell.

The idea for the challenge came from Steve Burles, who runs digital marketing agency Puddle Digital.

"I constantly see the invaluable job the Yorkshire Air Ambulance does and the difference it makes to saving lives so we were delighted to team up with Rob to raise money for such a worthy cause," he said.

To follow the group's exploits, visit facebook.com/12x12MountainChallenge.

Go to justgiving.com/teams/12x12 to make a donation.