Fellow rider on fundraising mission in Mike's memory - Great North Air Ambulance Service

A kind-hearted friend of a teenage boy who was killed in a motorcycle accident is raising vital funds for GNAAS in his memory. Ellie Sleightholm, 15, from Easingwold in York, has already raised more than £1,000 in memory of Michael Sadler, also 15, who died after he fell from his off-road motorbike near Redcar in June. Ellie, who met Mike while competing at motorbike competitions, said the two often raced together and talked regularly over social media despite living away from each other. She said: “Motorcycling is a really male-dominated sport and Mike was one of the few that really didn’t isolate me in competitions, he was so funny and bubbly. “When I won the girls motocross nationals last year, Mike was there, so we want to carry on and go make him proud.

A kind-hearted friend of a teenage boy who was killed in a motorcycle accident is raising vital funds for GNAAS in his memory.

Ellie Sleightholm, 15, from Easingwold in York, has already raised more than £1,000 in memory of Michael Sadler, also 15, who died after he fell from his off-road motorbike near Redcar in June.

Ellie, who met Mike while competing at motorbike competitions, said the two often raced together and talked regularly over social media despite living away from each other.

She said: “Motorcycling is a really male-dominated sport and Mike was one of the few that really didn’t isolate me in competitions, he was so funny and bubbly.

“When I won the girls motocross nationals last year, Mike was there, so we want to carry on and go make him proud. We formed so many funny memories. He certainly was a friend for life.

“He’d always turn up to racing with a smile on his face, it made me so happy being with him.”

The air ambulance was called to assist Mike but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

“Mike was such an incredibly caring person and my aim is to replicate this kind nature and to raise as much money as possible in memory of him. I know Mike could not be saved but the Great North Ambulance Service was there to help him at a time of great need.

“They are such a wonderful cause, Mike’s family chose the charity, and it makes me feel content and warm knowing that the money I raise may help save someone’s life. What they do is incredible.”

Ellie is planning to run, walk and cycle 8.4 miles every day until she has completed the length of England, a distance of nearly 400 miles.

“Mike loved cycling as well as motorbikes, which was why I chose to do something a bit different, something that Mike loved. I feel like he is beside me the whole time.

“I’ve had so much support from Mike’s friends and family and also my friends at school, even though they did not know Mike.”

She has raised £140 after a bake sale at Easingwold School, where she is a student.