Leicestershire charity store celebrates funding almost 1,500 lifesaving missions

Your local air ambulance’s Melton Mowbray superstore is celebrating funding almost 1,500 lifesaving missions for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA).

The Hanger superstore opened its doors on 19 November 2021 and is situated in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Over the past three years the Hanger and Landing Pad Café has generated £3,404,004 funding almost 1,500 lifesaving missions – ensuring the charity can continue saving lives in Leicestershire and further field.

The store has received 185,687 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.

Customers at The Hanger can take a break from browsing and shopping for bargains to enjoy the delicious array of cakes and hot and cold beverages available in the Landing Pad Café, which alone generated £500,458 of their incredible total.

The Hanger has recently been named the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop in the Charity Retail Association’s 25^th anniversary Charity Shop Awards. The awards received thousands of nominations from the public across the UK, with the Melton Mowbray Superstore ultimately triumphing as the winner among 12 inspiring finalists.

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 £2,300 needed for each lifesaving mission, as the charity receives no government or National Lottery funding.

Store Manager Kerry Martin said: “We want to thank everyone for the overwhelming support we have received over the last three years and without this our crews wouldn’t be able to continue saving lives in Leicestershire and further afield.”

“Supporters can visit the superstore not only to shop and enjoy a drink and slice of cake, but also to donate items using our in-store donation station.

“We would like to encourage everyone in the local community to continue donating pre-loved items such as bric-a-brac, clothing and toys as this helps to keep our crews flying 24/7, 365 days per year,” added Kerry.

For more information, please visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.