HARD-WORKING volunteers supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance have been to 75 events and given more than 700 hours since the start of the year.

Dubbed the GroundCrew, the team has raised money and boosted awareness of the charity which keeps the life-saving aircraft flying.

To celebrate their dedication they were invited to an open evening at the new airbase at Semington, near Melksham where more than 40 of them were given personal thanks by chief executive David Philpott.

Jemma Brown, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s volunteer manager, said: “The hours and the support that our volunteers give to Wiltshire Air Ambulance is immeasurable. We cannot do what we need to do without the valuable time our volunteers give us by going to events, cheque presentations and delivering talks.

“This not only raises funds, but also vital awareness of the charity and our work. Our volunteers help save lives and for that, we cannot thank them enough."

Volunteer Rosy Castellari said: “Volunteering is a brilliant way to get kids interested in the community spirit, meet new people, share stories and is something to be immensely proud of and I would implore people to consider it.“As well as being a huge aviation fan, I got involved because if I or my son needed critical care it would more likely to be Wiltshire Air Ambulance coming to our aid. With the charity receiving no day to day Government funding I want to make sure I am doing my bit to keep this valuable service available for everyone.”

To join email hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call the charity team on 01225 300536.”