A FAMILY friend of the man who was rushed to hospital after falling from a bridge in Basingstoke is helping raise funds for the family.

Lynn Ward, from Tadley, will be going on a five-mile sponsored walk in a bid to support the family of Steven North, who was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Pedestrian Mr North sustained the injuries after a collision between a red Vauxhall Astra and a silver Vauxhall Vectra.

He fell from the bridge onto the southbound carriageway of the A340 Ringway West, where he was hit by another vehicle.

The community has already rallied round to help Mr North, who was celebrating his 38th birthday on the day of the incident, as more than £2,000 has already been collected on the Just Giving page.

Miss Ward, who is friends with Mr North’s mum, said she was devastated when she heard the news and just wanted to something for the family.

“I haven’t seen Steven for years and years and I just couldn’t believe it when I heard what had happened,” said the 59-year-old.

“I really wanted to do something to help the family and thought this would be a good way to raise some money.”

Miss Ward told the Gazette that despite the number of injuries Mr North sustained, he is awake and talking to friends and family.

On October 22, Miss Ward plans to set out on her walk with a few friends, her grandson and pet Rottweiler around Tadley, through Baughurst and back again.

The route will start in Church Road, going past Tadley church through to Baughurst church in Browning Hill, along Baughurst Road, then back towards New Road.

“I have never done something like this before, but everyone has been really supportive, especially everyone at work,” added Miss Ward.

Miss Ward has already passed her £200 target and now hopes to reach the £300 mark.

Visit justgiving.com/crowd funding/steven-north.