A CHARITY set up by the policeman blasted by Raoul Moat has helped its first injured emergency services worker.

PC David Rathband, who was blinded when Moat went on the rampage last summer, handed over a cheque worth £2,500 to maimed paramedic John Eames.

The ambulanceman was on duty when a lorry driver crossed onto the wrong side of the road and hit his vehicle, trapping him inside and crushing his legs.

Mr Eames, who has been unable to walk since the accident in February, was trapped in his ambulance for two-and-a-half hours having suffered a shattered knee joint and badly broken right leg.

The 38-year-old may now return from Queen's Hospital in Burton, Staffs, where the money will be used to specially adapt his home.

PC Rathband set up the Blue Lamp Foundation to help emergency services workers injured in the line of duty by a criminal act.

The father-of-two, 43, said: "I'm absolutely elated that we have made our first award.

"People like John deserve our help.

"They do a tremendous job for the public and are being injured through no fault of their own, in criminal acts.

"Why should they have to suffer, with little help afterwards?

"This is the culmination of what we set out to do.

"John is living proof that my Foundation is here to help.

"He has been in hospital for months, unable to go home, and we are now able to help facilitate that.

"It's amazing. This makes it all worthwhile."

Mr Eames, who is married to Sarah and lives in Burton, said the crash had changed his life permanently.

He said: "I tried to climb a single step with the aid of crutches, and it took me half-an-hour.

"I can't even have a shower.

"But soon I'll be able to, thanks to this award.

"It's a privilege to be the first recipient of the Charity.

"It will finally let me go home, and make my life so much easier.

"There have been a lot of lows and highs since I was injured and this is definitely one of the highs."

PC Rathband's target is to raise £1m by 2013.