Town aims to keep air ambulance flying (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Town aims to keep air ambulance flying
6:00pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Katie Bond
BUSINESSES, shops and residents in Swindon are coming together to support the Wiltshire Air Ambulance during a national campaign next week.
From Monday to September 30, it is National Air Ambulance Week and it is hoped that as many people as possible will step up to support the air ambulance by holding special events or making donations.
The Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £1,917 a day to ensure they remain flying. This equates to £700,000 each year to cover the running costs of the helicopter.
It does not receive Government funding and it relies totally on the charitable donations and community fundraising of people in the area.
Next week, a number of events are planned to help secure the future of the vital service across the county.
On Saturday, September 22 a cheque presentation will be held at the County Ground to kick off the week of fundraising.
And Guy Allen, whose 10-year-old son Max was airlifted by the ambulance, is to cycle 20 miles from Swindon to Devizes, with friends, to raise money for the ambulance.
Over the weekend, dealership group Blade Honda will be raising funds at the Bowood House County Fair.
Swindon printers Cats Solutions will have a swear box and raffle throughout the week with a fancy dress/ dress down day on Friday. The winner of the raffle will also be treated to a day off work.
Sainsburys, in the Brunel Centre ,will hold a cake and book sale on Monday, September 24 and Wednesday as well as a dress up day, while children at Redoaks Primary School, in Redhouse, will be paid a visit by paramedic Ross Culligan.
Asda in West Swindon will also be getting in to the charitable spirit by holding a collection on Wednesday , September 26 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm And Utax, in Shrivenham , will hold a cheque presentation and small fundraiser on Friday, September 28.
The air ambulance’s head of fundraising, Caroline Corrigan, said: “We would love for as many schools, colleges, business, groups and individuals from across Wiltshire and Swindon to support us by doing something fun during that week to raise much needed funds.”
To donate and to get involved, visit the website which can be found at www.wiltshire airambulance.co.uk .
Comments(5)
itsamess3
says...
9:06pm Wed 19 Sep 12
1 2 Could B
says...
9:22pm Wed 19 Sep 12
As we tend to explore roads in remote parts of the countryside we are aware of the advantages of the service.
Both clubs also recommend biker friendly pubs & restaurants etc.
Equally we inform each other of unfriendly pubs, landlords etc.
It does seem wrong that a services such as lifeboats and air ambulances need support from charities in this age.
Thankfully there is plenty of charitable support from certain areas of society
RichardR1
says...
10:32am Thu 20 Sep 12
Each County should have it's own State funded helicopter.
RichardR1
says...
12:36pm Sat 22 Sep 12
All elements of public service should be factored into funding. It is not the role of the voluntary or charity sector to pay for something that is in this case a dual public service.
oldbutawake says...
7:38pm Wed 19 Sep 12
Are they frightened people won't donate if they know the connection?
We ought to be proud it does both jobs!