Wigston charity store celebrates funding more than 900 lifesaving missions

Your local air ambulance charity homeware store store in Wigston is celebrating funding more than 900 lifesaving missions for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) as the charity celebrates 15 years of vital service.

The charity homeware store opened its doors on 22 December 2017 and is situated in Wigston just outside of Leicester. Over the past six years the charity store has generated £1,575,816.53, incredibly funding more than 900 lifesaving missions – ensuring the charity can continue its lifesaving missions in Leicestershire and further afield.

Income from the store is vital in keeping DLRAA’s service operational. 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.

The store has also received 11,868 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.

Store Manager Deborah Green said: “We would like to thank everyone in the local community for their support over the past six years. Without this amazing support the crews wouldn’t be able to continue to save lives in Leicestershire and further afield.”

“We still rely on the local community’s support with donations of pre-loved items and encourage the community to come shop with us, especially at this time of year to help keep our crews flying 24/7, 365 days per year,” she added.

2023 has been a monumental year for the charity, it’s celebrated 50,000 missions, an overall ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, and 15^th anniversary of providing its lifesaving service across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland. The charity is continuing to encourage people to visit its charity stores 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.

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