THE daughter of a 70-year-old cyclist who died when an elderly motorist crashed into him has paid tribute to the air ambulance service that afforded the hospital time to donate his organs to multiple people.

Emma Damen’s dad, James Tassell, suffered ‘traumatic’ injuries after he was catapulted off his bicycle on the B3400 between Andover Down and Hurstbourne Priors.

Mr Tassell, known as Jim, from Andover, was rushed Southampton General Hospital by air ambulance and died five days later.

Despite the tragic incident, Jim was able to fulfil his wishes of becoming an organ donor – and has already saved the lives of multiple people.

Emma said: “He was as fit as a fiddle. If he goes out on his bike, he’s not just popping out on a little jaunt, he’s doing 20-plus miles. A car came from behind and drove straight into the back of him.”

READ MORE: Family of cyclist killed in collision near Andover call on drivers to check their eyesight

Emma’s mum, Stephanie, was greeted at her door by the police who blue-lighted them both to the region’s major trauma unit to the hospital in Southampton.

The doctors and paramedics from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance provided treatment to help keep Jim alive, before flying him to hospital.

Emma said: “If they hadn't done that, Dad would've died at the scene.”

Jim had broken his shoulder, his leg and two of his ribs. He’d also punctured one of his lungs and was covered in severe cuts and bruises. But it was the head injury that was fatal.

Despite the fact Jim was wearing his safety helmet, which had stayed on throughout, he had sustained multiple bleeds on his brain.

Emma said: “I've got no doubt whatsoever that Dad had the absolute best care. Every possible chance was given to him, but his injuries were just too severe. Without the air ambulance team, he would never have been able to do the amazing things he's done afterwards.”

Jim was taken to hospital while still alive because of the interventions of the air ambulance crew, which meant his wish for his organs to be donated, incuding his heart and liver, could be fulfilled.  

To thank Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for its efforts, Emma, her husband and brother are taking on the Great South Run in October – a race Jim completed eight times, once with Emma by his side.

Emma said: “It's going to be emotional. We always knew about the air ambulance but didn't realise it relied on donations. We will never be able to show enough gratitude for what the team did for him. We want to give something back to say thank you, so hopefully another family doesn't have to go through what we've been through.”

SEE ALSO: A31 crash: Cyclist dies after being hit by a Ford Transit van driver near to Holybourne roundabout in Alton

Earlier this month, Peter Gardner, of Whitchurch, was jailed for six months at Salisbury Crown Court for causing death by careless driving.

In order to pass a driving test, motorists must be able to read a number plate 20 metres (65ft) away - but an eyesight test after the smash showed Gardner could only read a plate three metres (9ft 10ins) away.

The court also heard the 82-year-old retired rail worker had recently been told by an optician he may be developing cataracts - but failed to arrange a follow-up appointment.

Passing the sentence, Judge Andrew Barnett said: "It seems to me that your recklessness and foolishness are quite obvious when you weren’t seeing properly.

"Nothing I can say can ever turn the clock back and bring Jim back to his family. It seems to me that your carelessness and lack of concern about your failing eyesight is something that has got to be punished. It seems to me that your conduct has got to be marked by a prison sentence and that an immediate sentence of imprisonment is appropriate."

Emma and her family are also encouraging drivers, particularly elderly drivers, to check their eyesight to make sure they are medically and legally fit to drive.

To support Emma and her family, visit: justgiving.com/team/teamdamentassell.