Belper charity store funds over 870 lifesaving missions

Your local air ambulance Belper charity store sells both new and preloved items to fund the lifesaving missions of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).

The boutique store opened its doors on 28 January 2011 – one of the charity’s very first stores to open – and has since generated £1,481,030.33 worth of sales for the charity, funding over 870 potentially lifesaving missions.

Over the last 11 years, the charity store has received over 61,593 bags of donated goods but continues to require support from the local community with further donations of new and preloved items, as these provide vital income for the charity.

Mr John May from Derbyshire has been an avid supporter of the charity and his local Belper store for more than 11 years. This Halloween, he generously bought his ‘spooky’ car along to the store during the community Belper Pumpkin Trial to raise funds with. Customers and passersby were able to sit in his car and take photos, with all donations being collected in aid of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.

“I would encourage people to visit our local air ambulance charity shop to buy good quality pre-loved products and to donate items that they no longer use or need. These donations not only provide the much-needed funds to support each mission for the charity but also prevent reusable goods from going to waste,” said John.

The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance undertakes around five rescue missions a day. Its crews can be on the ground within minutes helping to deliver lifesaving care and giving patients the very best chance of survival – so support from stores like the boutique in Belper is vital.

Belper Store Manager Jenni expressed, “John has been a huge help to us over the years and we would like to thank him for everything he has done. We encourage everyone to stop by, say hi and check out all the lovely items we have in stock.”

“We would also like to thank the local community for their support over the years and for shopping with us. Together we are not only supporting this vital service to help to save lives, but also helping the environment in reducing waste,” added Jenni.

Each mission costs the charity £1,700 and public support enables its doctors and critical care paramedics to provide lifesaving care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The charity is celebrating its 15^th anniversary of lifesaving service across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland in 2023. To help mark the momentous milestone the charity is asking for supporters to send in any photos, footage or clippings, or share their stories to help showcase how well the service has developed over the years into the leading provider of pre-hospital critical care it is today. To get involved please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3047 999.