HEAD shaves, crisp packet recycling and trekking up mountains are just some of the ways people in Wiltshire raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Supporting the fantastic efforts undertaken by groups and individuals are the charity’s community team Cas Loudon, Hollie Perryman and Louisa Perrett. Among the support they give is providing materials such as posters and collection tins.

Louisa’s role includes writing personalised thank you letters to the people who fundraise.

Louisa, who is from Devizes, said: “There are many reasons that people choose to fundraise for us – including that they were airlifted by us or know someone who was - and they put in so much hard work organising various events or undertaking challenges.

“There is such a variety of ways that people and groups fundraise. It’s ranged from people having their heads shaved, taking part in challenges such as The Three Peaks or tough mudders and singing groups holding concerts.”

Community relations assistant Hollie Perryman joined the charity three years ago. Her older sister was airlifted by Wiltshire Air Ambulance after she had a horse riding accident at Stockley, near Calne, eight years ago. She made a full recovery.

Hollie, who is from Potterne, said: “In my role I’ve met people who have been airlifted and treated by our paramedics and chatting to them and their families is really rewarding.”

Both Hollie and Louisa have fundraised for Wiltshire Air Ambulance by taking part in a sky dive at Old Sarum airfield, near Salisbury, in 2017 and both said it was an “amazing” experience.

Having fundraised themselves, Hollie said they appreciate the commitment the charity’s supporters put into their fundraising.

Hollie said: “We are so grateful for their tremendous efforts. As well as one-off events, we have people and groups who fundraise regularly for us. These include the organisers of the Urchfont Scarecrow Festival and for the last three years we have entered a scarecrow.

“The Recycle for Wiltshire Air Ambulance initiative has gone from strength to strength. It started in the Salisbury area but people from all over Wiltshire get involved by collecting used crisp packets, coffee pods and pet products.”

Hollie and Cas also support the charity’s volunteers who give talks to community groups, attend cheque presentations and attend fundraising events with the charity’s gazebo.

Cas, who is from Chippenham and leads the team as community relationship manager, said: “Our volunteers are a vital part of Wiltshire Air Ambulance, supporting people in the community who fundraise for our charity and ultimately this enables us to continue saving lives. We couldn’t do what we do without them!”