Oliver Thorn, 25, was on his way to meet friends at Henley Regatta when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car on the A25.

He suffered multiple injuries and had to be given emergency life-saving treatment at the roadside by a doctor and critical care paramedic from Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance service.

Following the accident – which left him paralysed – Oliver’s colleagues at Sandhurst rallied round and decided to raise funds for the charity.

Each flying mission costs about £2,500 so the sum they have raised will help potentially save a further 20 lives.

Oliver said: “This is absolutely phenomenal news because the air ambulance did so much for me. By being able to get to the scene so quickly, treating me at the roadside, and then airlifting me to a major trauma centre, it did actually save my life.

“To see Sandhurst recognise that and support this very worthy charity, it means a lot to me personally.” Oliver, from Dorking, had just started a 44-week commissioning course at The Royal Military Academy following a gruelling two-year application process, when the accident happened in June 2012. Air ambulance doctor Emma Rowland and critical care paramedic Jon Sanders carried out advanced medical procedures usually performed only in hospital.

Oliver was flown to the Royal London Hospital where scans revealed he had suffered a total of 36 broken bones including a broken back.

Every year, the commandant of the Royal Military Academy chairs a committee that selects a number of charities to benefit from its help, allowing officer cadets to gain experience in fundraising.

Last year, the academy held a number of events including charity balls, open days, raffles and sponsored challenges. The funds raised were shared among the commandant’s chosen charities including the Air Ambulance – which relies almost entirely on public donations – last month.