Derbyshire charity store celebrates funding over 800 lifesaving missions

Your local air ambulance charity boutique store based in Bakewell is celebrating funding more than 800 missions for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), as the charity celebrates 15 years of vital service.

The charity store opened its doors on 06 June 2011 on Portland Square, Bakewell, an area known for its picturesque surroundings and Bakewell Puddings. Over the past twelve years the store has generated an incredible £1,417,781.77 worth of sales for the charity – funding more than 800 lifesaving missions throughout Derbyshire and further afield.

The store has also received 30,853 bags of generously donated goods, which have provided vital income for the charity, but they continue to require the support of the local community for further donations of new and preloved items.

Within minutes, DLRAA’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 £1,700 needed for each rescue mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.

Assistant Store Managers, Jayne Hallows and Sarah Rodenhurst said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to the local community who have supported us over the past twelve years. Without their support we wouldn’t be able to continue our lifesaving missions.”

“We rely on our local community’s support with donations of pre-loved items such as bric-a-brac, clothing and toys to keep our vital missions possible and keep our crews delivering pre-hospital critical care 24/7, 365 days per year,” they added.

The charity is celebrating 15 years of providing lifesaving service across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, developing over the years into the leading provider of pre-hospital critical care it is today. To help the charity mark this momentous milestone and support it so its missions can continue, why not visit a charity store and grab a bargain, donate unwanted clothing to one of many clothing banks, get involved in a challenge event, fundraise, or even sign up to volunteer.

To get involved please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.