ALONGSIDE visiting two businesses per week I also try to meet as many voluntary organisations and charities as I am able. One such group I met recently were the Freewheeler volunteer bikers, who give up their time to courier blood and other medical supplies from where it is stored to hospitals when it is needed.

The Freewheelers also work with the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, a charity I have supported for many years, to deliver them the blood and medical supplies they require to continue their essential work. The NHS is one of our greatest national assets and we should never forget the hundreds of thousand volunteer drivers, local supporters, air ambulance charities and other supporters which help keep vital services running alongside the millions of hardworking and dedicated paid staff.

Every day volunteers work round the clock, giving up their own time to support a service so many of us will rely on at some point in our lives and it was a great honour to be able to meet one of these organisations and thank them for the vital work they do.

The recent announcement of the UK July borrowing figures show that the economy continues to perform strongly with the surplus of revenue over expenditure being £1bn more than independent predictions suggested. Much uncertainty remains with our withdrawal from the European Union, however with strong economic foundations and a growing economy the UK is in a good position to deal with any future challenges. With these figures will of course come demands for greater spending in the budget this autumn, I have always been clear that where there is scope for additional spending I will continue to fight to ensure that Wiltshire gets its fair share of any additional funds and that residents here feel the benefit. I am regularly out and about on the doorstep so if I do have an opportunity to speak to you on this or any other issue I would be delighted to hear your views and any suggestions you may have.

I have just finalised the dates of my surgeries for September through to December and I have been able to secure a venue in every village and town in the constituency, so if you were unable to attend any of the ones across summer but would like to meet me to discuss any issue whatsoever I do hope you will be able to make these dates. For more information on the dates and times contact me on 01249 704 465, email michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk or look out for information in the local press.