A Sutton Coldfield family has courageously turned immense tragedy into a powerful force for good.
Keaton Lacey, a 20-year-old from Jerome Road, tragically lost his life last year in a road accident, while his brother Callum survived a separate, serious crash that left him fighting for his life.
On the morning of January 8, Keaton was driving his Ford Fiesta on the A453 Sutton Road, between Bassetts Pole and Tamworth. Unseen ice on standing water caused his car to aquaplane into an oncoming BMW near Drayton Lane. Despite immediate medical efforts, Keaton passed away almost instantly.
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His mother, Tracey Redmond, recalls: “The day we got the news was shattering, but the days after were even harder. Keaton was the kindest soul—always ready to help others, whether stopping for someone stranded or supporting friends and family. He had just turned 20.”
Keaton’s generosity was inspired by the earlier ordeal of his older brother Callum. In 2017, at just 16, Callum was seriously injured after being hit by a car near Witton Cemetery. He suffered a brain injury and fractured back, and it was the swift intervention of Midlands Air Ambulance that saved his life. Grateful for this, Keaton dedicated himself to fundraising for the charity through skydives, fun runs, and other events.
“Without the air ambulance, Callum wouldn’t be here today,” Tracey says. “Keaton was determined to give back for the incredible care they provided.”
Since Keaton’s passing, the family’s fundraising efforts have gathered more than £10,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance. They embrace Keaton’s love of life and his playful obsession with rubber ducks, a souvenir from a family trip to Florida in 2023, using this symbol to raise awareness and funds. At his funeral, they gave attendees rubber ducks with a request to share photos of them “far and wide,” sparking ongoing fundraising events including duck races.
“Keaton wanted to help others and his spirit lives on through these efforts,” Tracey shares. “We don’t want to be defined by sorrow but by the positive things we can do in his memory.”
The family continues to organize major fundraising events, raffles, and community activities, spreading hope and support. This compassionate journey has led to their nomination for the Midlands Air Ambulance Community Fundraiser Award 2026.
Looking back on Callum’s recovery, Tracey reflects, “They called it a miracle. Today, Callum is a calm, happy young man, and that’s thanks to the air ambulance team. They rely solely on donations, and they are a lifeline.”
Despite the heartbreak, the family remains united and optimistic: “Tragedy struck us, but we choose to focus on what Keaton would have been proud of. We want to help other families and create good from something so devastating.”