Bedfordshire pub raises £10,000 to support charity’s lifesaving missions

St John’s Arms in Melchbourne, Bedfordshire has raised £10,000 to support the lifesaving missions of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA).

St John’s Arms is a traditional family-run pub on the edge of the beautiful village of Melchbourne, serving up delicious seasonal food, fresh beer, and a thirst-quenching selection of wines and spirits.

On 07 June 2025 Debbie, Nelly, Lexy and the wonderful team at the pub hosted a Black Tie Ball featuring a live band, an auction and fabulous food – raising a total of £6,000 on the night to support the lifesaving charity.

“We asked our customers which charity they would like to support during 2025, and they wanted to continue to support the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, helping to raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving missions,” said Debbie.

“Most of us know someone who has needed the assistance of the charity before, and we are overwhelmed with the support our customers and team have shown.

“We are determined to raise £12,000 by the end of the year to keep the charity available for those who need it most in Warwickshire, Northamptonshire and further afield,” she added.

The pub has managed to raise a further £4,000 from various fundraising events earlier in the year, bringing their current total raised to £10,000 – funding more than four lifesaving missions.

They are aiming to raise a total of £12,000 by the end of the year to support the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

Within minutes, WNAA’s critical care crews can be on the ground delivering pre-hospital emergency care and giving patients the very best chance of survival – this vital service relies entirely on donations to raise the £2,300 needed for each lifesaving mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.

“The Black Tie Ball at St John’s Arms was a great success and on behalf of the charity I would like to say thank you to Debbie, Nelly, Lexy and everyone else involved in helping to raise vital funds to support our charity,” said Jenny Standen, Regional Business Development Manager for the charity.

“Without the support of local businesses just like this we wouldn’t be able to keep our helicopters flying 24/7, 365 days a year,” she expressed.

For more information on the charity, or to show your support please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.