A SWINDON couple’s wedding has benefited Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase.

Instead of wedding favours for their guests, Rob and Meg Faulkner decided to make a donation of £350 to the charity’s fundraising appeal for its new airbase at Outmarsh Farm, Semington.

Rob, 34, has been a volunteer with Wiltshire Air Ambulance for the past two years and he and Meg, 27, decided their wedding celebration would provide the perfect opportunity to make a contribution to the charity’s Airbase Appeal.

Rob, who is the operations manager at The Brunel Shopping Centre in Swindon, said: “I have been to weddings where charitable donations have been made and Meg and I thought it would be great idea to do that at our wedding.

“Wiltshire Air Ambulance is the charity that means the most to me and the new airbase is important for the longevity of the service. The current airbase is not functional in the long term and the new airbase will bring together the charity team, aircrew and the helicopter.”

Meg, who works as a welder, said: “I was more than happy for Wiltshire Air Ambulance to benefit. Before Rob started volunteering, I hadn’t appreciated that the charity relies on donations.

"The service has benefited so many people and we need it. With the skills of its crew and the medical equipment it carries, the helicopter is like a mobile hospital.”

The couple, of Stratton, Swindon, got married at the De Vere hotel at Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, on September 3 and went on honeymoon to Majorca.

Their 120 guests did receive some goodies from Rob and Meg. On the tables they put green and yellow chocolates inside boxes, to match the colours of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s helicopter, and had Wiltshire Air Ambulance stickers on them.

The couple have been together for five years and wished to pass on their thanks to all their guests and everyone who was involved in their wedding.

Rob and Meg presented their donation to Wiltshire Air Ambulance when they visited the current airbase in Devizes.

Cas Loudon, donor relationship co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We’re so grateful to Rob and Meg for choosing to support us on their very special day. Their donation will go towards completing the building and equipping of our new airbase and help us to save lives into the future.

“Work on the new airbase will soon be entering its final stages, but there is still time for people to donate to our Airbase Appeal.

"For more information go to www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk or call the charity team on 01380 739453.”