THE family and friends of a teenager who died after a car crash are raising money for the hospital which fought to save him.

Alex Jackson, 19, died after a collision near Brighton Racecourse last week which also left his girlfriend and one of his friends in a life threatening condition.

All three were treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Royal Sussex County Hospital and Alex’s family has set up a JustGiving internet page for people to make donations in his memory.

Stephen Jackson, Alex’s uncle, said they wanted to offer a “massive thanks” to the hospital and staff.

The 40-year-old said: “There are no words for what they are doing.

“The fundraising is going quite well and people are touched. Everyone appreciates what the doctors and nurses have done – they are worth their weight in gold.”Alex was also an organ donor and his family said he has already helped to save four people.

His girlfriend Chantelle Marriott, 18, remains in the hospital while friend Scott Hammond, 22, was transferred to the St George’s Hospital in London.

Hayley-Marie Mitchell, Alex’s cousin, who set up the page, called her relative “an incredibly compassionate human being”.

The 18-year-old said Alex’s father Paul and the rest of the family wanted to say a special thank you to all the hospital staff who tried to save him.

She added; “Not only was Alex a smart, caring young man he was also a hero and a lifesaver.”

The fundraising total edged towards £1,000 within its first 24 hours.

Suzy Horne, administrator for the charity Friends of Brighton and Hove Hospitals, said: “We are very grateful for the fundraising and we will ensure all the funds are used for the benefits of the patients in the Intensive Care Unit.”

The crash happened just after midnight on November 27 and involved the BMW carrying the friends and a Skoda taxi on Warren Road.

The driver of the car Sharief Ruhomally, 29, known as Mo, from Peacehaven, was released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Awash.

To donate visit: www.justgiving.com/inmemoryofalexjackson.