Big push for air medic aid (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Big push for air medic aid

8:00pm Friday 31st August 2012 in News

THE Wiltshire Air Ambulance has had a good response from local businesses which have signed up to support National Air Ambulance Week in September.

Motor company Blade Honda in Chippenham is helping by holding a competition at this year’s Wiltshire Game and Summer Fair.

Simon Hawker, general manager at Blade Honda, said: “We are really happy to be supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance at this event and throughout the year.

“It is really important to have an air ambulance serving Wiltshire and if we can help in any way, we are happy to.”

Devizes Leisure Centre is also involved.

Liam Cripps, duty officer at the centre, has helped to organise a member of staff to run on a treadmill in reception for 15 hours non-stop.

Their fundraiser takes place on Wednesday, September 26, midway through air ambulance week.

Caroline Corrigan, head of fundraising at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We really hope businesses, schools, and community groups get behind this really easy way to support Wiltshire’s Air Ambulance.

“We need to raise in excess of £700,000 per year, or £2,000 per day. We hope this one week helps to highlight the work of the air ambulance and encourage fundraising, however big or small, to take place around the county.

“Some schools have signed up and are holding mufti/dress down days and even a few ‘dress as a hero’ days. Others have organised sponsored runs or bike rides too.”

To sign up, visit www.wilt shireairambulance.co.uk or call (01380) 739453.