WESTBURY’S Wiltshire Air Ambulance shop has been presented with a commemorative cheque after reaching the amazing milestone of raising £1.2 million for the charity.
Paramedics from the air ambulance team visited the shop on Wednesday 26th August to present the cheque and say thank you to the volunteers who run the shop.
Dot Whitehead, who has been involved since the store opened on Maristow Street in 1999, is proud of their achievement.
“I’m walking on air,” she said. “We couldn’t have done it without the staff who all work very hard. I’d like to say thank you to my husband who has been behind me in everything.”
Since opening 10 years ago the store has become the main source of funding for the county’s only air ambulance, which needs £500,000 each year for running costs.
Paramedic Richard Miller expressed his gratitude for the shop’s work. “We really appreciate the work that Dot and the team have done over the last 10 years,” he said. “we really just want to say a big thank you for everything from all the staff at the ambulance service unit.”
The helicopter is jointly funded by the police and Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which is a charity relying solely on contributions from Wiltshire’s people. The air ambulance receives no government funding and is not eligible for National Lottery Funding.
Melanie Gee, the charity’s appeal co-ordinator, was also full of praise for the efforts of Dot and her team. She said, “We’re extremely grateful for everything they do. Without their work we wouldn’t be in existence. We’re truly grateful, long may it continue.”
Next year is the air ambulance’s 20th anniversary in Wiltshire.
The shop on Maristow Street is open from 8.45am – 4:.0pm Monday to Saturday. Volunteers who can spare some time to help out are always welcome. Call 01373 822318 for more details.