Simon Le Bon launches Children's Air Ambulance service

Rocker Simon Le Bon has launched a new Children's Air Ambulance service dedicated to rescuing and transporting critically ill youngsters.

The Duran Duran frontman famously cheated death when he became trapped in an air pocket after his boat capsized during the FastNetRace in 1985 and has often spoken out in support of the Air Ambulance Service which saved his life.

The Rio hitmaker recalled his terrifying ordeal at the launch of the charity, of which he is a patron, on Wednesday in London.

He spoke about his personal life-saving experience, saying, "The first sign of hope was when a Navy diver popped up and said 'I'm going to get you guys out'. The relief and elation that the six of us who were inside felt was incredible."

Le Bon also praised the new children's rescue initiative, adding, "This is a fantastic new service that is desperately needed throughout the U.K. because each year, thousands of seriously ill children need urgent care at specialist hospitals. However, at the moment, they can face long road journeys, which could be detrimental to getting the lifesaving help they need."