A rural Northamptonshire pub has shown the power of community spirit after its darts team raised more than five times their original fundraising target for The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS).
The Collyweston Slater darts team hosted a 12-hour darts marathon in December 2025, initially aiming to raise £500 for the charity. Thanks to an outpouring of local support, the team exceeded all expectations, raising an incredible £2,728.
The marathon saw team members throwing darts late into the night, finishing at 12am, while supporters got involved with a raffle and auction.
Speaking after the cheque presentation this month, team captain Steve Lamb, said: “We never imagined it would grow into something this big. We were completely blown away by the generosity of our community. A special thanks to the incredibly generous local businesses that donated top quality prizes for our raffle and auction. Knowing the money is going to The Air Ambulance Service made it incredibly meaningful for all of us and the support for the charity was evident all day.”
“We would like to thank everyone involved – from the players and organisers to the businesses and individuals who took part. Funds raised through events like these help the charity continue to deliver lifesaving critical care across the region, ensuring crews can reach those who need them most, when every second counts,” added George May, Community Fundraising Manager at TAAS.
The Air Ambulance Service operates Your Local Air Ambulance, providing emergency helicopter services covering Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland . The charity also runs the National Children’s Air Ambulance, a unique service that transfers critically ill babies and children across the country. They receive no government funding and rely entirely on charitable donations.
