A CHARITY evening organised by one of the survivors of the M5 crash which claimed seven lives has raised £4,200 for the emergency services involved in his recovery.

John Clark, of Saltash, was one of three drivers working for Samworth Brothers Distribution who were involved in the tragedy last November. His friends and colleagues Terry Brice and Kye Thomas were both killed in the crash.

John was seriously injured and spent a week in intensive care at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Somerset.

'I just wanted to say thank you to the emergency services for saving my life,' explained John. 'I, like many people, take them for granted, expecting them to be there – I certainly won't any more.'

Proceeds from the event, held at Saltash Working Men's Club, will be shared between the ICU at Musgrove Park Hospital and the Firefighters Benevolent Fund.

The evening, attended by around 200 members of the public, family, friends and colleagues, was also organised as a tribute to Kye and Terry.

A minute's silence was held at the beginning of the event and, from the money raised, two wall memorials will be purchased for their place of work. Nearly 100 prizes were donated for the raffle, including a signed Argyle football.

'I must admit we didn't expect it to get this big,' said John. 'Some other prizes we had were luxury hampers worth £100... and a night in a luxury hotel.'

John is currently on a phased return to work as a passenger and hopes to be back driving very soon. 'My health is ok,' he said, 'although I have a lot of shortness of breath due to smoke inhalation – my lungs aren't what they used to be.'