A Spurs fan who almost died in a crash on the way to a Champions League game against Real Madrid has started volunteering for the air ambulance – after meeting the medics who saved his life.

Nigel Richardson, of Highgate, was riding his scooter to Wembley on November 1 to see his team play the European champions when he was hit by a lorry.

A policeman who was first to the scene knew he would need the London Air Ambulance if Nigel was to survive, and Dr Samy Sadek and paramedic Richard Webb-Stevens, who were on duty that night, were called.

They attended in a rapid response car, as the ambulance cannot fly at night, and operated on Nigel at the roadside, putting him in an induced coma and performing a tracheostomy to help him breathe.

Nigel was taken to St Mary’s Hospital, where he later found out his team had won 3-1.

Within 12 days was back at home leading a normal life. Later, and with little memory of what happened, he contacted the air ambulance and asked to meet the people who saved his life.

He said: “I was overcome with emotion when I met the doctor and the paramedic. I don’t mean I crumbled into a ball of tears, but I greeted them both like I was meeting someone I had known my entire life.

“I had no memory of the accident but I think subconsciously I recognised them. They did tell me that I was fully conscious and chatting to them after the accident.”

It was at that meeting that he knew he had to get involved.

“I discovered the breadth and depth of the work done by the service,” he continued. “Most importantly, like most Londoners, I had no idea it was a charity. I find it shocking it’s not provided for in a place like London. It was a no-brainer for me to volunteer to help raise funds.”

Next week is Volunteers Week, in which charities pay tribute to the millions of people across the UK who help them out.

The air ambulance is a 24/7 service with an advanced trauma team who help critically injured people across the capital. It treats an average of five people a day and costs £10million a year to run, most of which comes through fundraising.

Nigel will also be raising awareness, along with paramedic Richard, at Highgate’s Fair in the Square on June 19.

Donate to the charity at londonsairambulance.co.uk.