Keep Fit Association keep lifesaving charity flying

A dance fitness group have raised vital funds to support the lifesaving Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), which celebrates 20 years of service.

The Keep Fit Association for Northamptonshire and Leicestershire have been raising funds since 2010 and their support for the lifesaving charity over the past year has reached a staggering £2,069.75, with donations still rolling in.

The group, first established in the early 1960s, gives thousands of people the opportunity to get together and exercise properly in the spirit of fun and friendship.

Classes have helped to change the lives of many after introducing them to fitness through dance and movement – while also raising vital funds for charities such as WNAA.

The brilliant £2,000 milestone has been reached by selling quizzes, hosting raffles, and teachers putting on extra classes for generous attendees who want to raise as much money as possible for the worthy cause.

Pat Kaye, chair of the association in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire, said: “Everybody thinks the air ambulance is one of the worthiest causes in Northamptonshire, they are always grateful for our fundraising efforts, and send a thank you letter which outlines just how much of a difference the money will make to the vital services they provide.”

The Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance crew deliver critical care 24/7, 365 days a year at road traffic collisions, sports and leisure events, medical emergencies – such as cardiac arrest and accidents at home – and other incidents needing expert pre-hospital medical interventions.

Support from the local community and wonderful groups like this is paramount as the charity receives no government funding and relies entirely on public donations to raise the £1,700 needed for each mission.

Lynn Wood, Community Fundraising Manager for WNAA, commented: “The group’s support is wonderful, and we are extremely grateful for their dedication and efforts over the years.

“Our volunteer Pam Larsen was humbled to receive the cheque on behalf of the charity. We would like to say a massive thank you to all involved for their incredible donation. Without support like this from the local community our crews wouldn’t be able to continue their vital missions in Northamptonshire and further afield,” she added.

The charity is celebrating 20 years of providing its lifesaving service across Warwickshire and Northamptonshire in 2023. To help the charity mark this momentous milestone and support it so that its lifesaving missions can continue, why not visit a charity store and grab a bargain, donate preloved items, host a clothing bank, get involved in a challenge event, fundraise, make a one-off donation, or even sign up as a volunteer.