Medals for Penicuik lifesavers 

Penicuik volunteers providing support to ambulance teams have been congratulated for their lifesaving contributions.

A group of Community First Responders received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for spending five years or more assisting the Scottish Ambulance Service during emergency calls.

The medals were presented by Bryan Finlay, the community resuscitation development officer for the Scottish Ambulance Service (south-east division), and Shirley Rogers, the deputy director for health, workforce and performance with the Scottish Government, during a recent ceremony at the Craigiebield House Hotel in Penicuik.

 

Air Ambulance Lottery reaches new heights!

Lottery membership reaches 22,000

The lottery run by Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) which contributes over £729,000 each year to the Charity’s fundraising effort, has attracted its 22,000th member.

DAAT Lottery, established in September 2001 last year  raised in excess of £1 million and today, in addition to one full time lottery supervisor and two part time administrators, has over 130 agents across the county ranging from newsagents to hairdressers.

Caroline Creer, DAAT’s Director of Fundraising, said: “The Lottery is one of DAAT’s biggest successes and the secret behind it is it only costs £1 per lucky number a week to play. 79% of members currently pay by standing order so it is very easy for them to support us through the Lottery and this also greatly reduces administrative costs.”

The Lottery draw takes place each Friday with winning numbers randomly drawn via specialised computer software.  The weekly prizes range from a jackpot of £1,350, to £135 second and third prizes and a further 10 prizes of £50.  An average of 70p goes straight back to the Charity.

Caroline Creer added: “Lottery membership is maintained and increased through our specially authorised team of canvassers who never collect cash, only standing order forms and cheques from members at the doorstep. 

“This is very important for us as it provides members with confidence that the system cannot be abused because of its transparency and our ability to review paper trails.

“We are very grateful to all our Lottery members who with just a small weekly commitment do so much to support our work.  We hope many more will take the opportunity of supporting us in this way and they can do so in the first instance by visiting www.daat.org ; or ringing 01392 469886 for an entry form or to find out where your local agent is.”

DAAT Lottery are registered with the Gambling Commission and are also members of and regulated by the Lottery Council, as well as the Great Foundation and Gambling Aware.

AMBULANCE CALL ASSESSOR TO WALK 100 MILES FOR CHARITY

A West Midlands Ambulance Service call assessor is walking 100 miles to raise money for Huntingtons Disease Association.

Leah Church who works in the Emergency Control Room in Tollgate, Staffordshire is all set to take on the challenge this week.

The walk is taking place in Nijmegen, Holland and will see participants walking over a four day period from 17^th – 20^th July, covering a massive 25 miles each day.

Talking about the challenge Leah said: “Huntingtons Disease is a hereditary disorder of the central nervous system. It usually develops in adulthood causing a very wide range of symptoms.

“Unfortunately the disease has affected a number of my family members, so this charity is extremely close to my heart. I am hoping to raise as much money as possible, allowing the charity to continue their excellent work supporting families affected by the illness as well as raising further awareness of the disease.”

Leah hopes to raise £1,000 for the association and is has almost hit her target already, raising a total of £942 so far.

Anyone wishing to give Leah a helping hand in achieving her goal please visit http://www.justgiving.com/Leah-Church. Every little bit helps.

What are you doing between 24 and 30 September?

Why not support your local Air Ambulance and make a difference to the community you live in, especially during National Air Ambulance Week (‘NAAW’)?  Every penny really goes a long way in helping save lives.

NAAW is an initiative put together by the Association of Air Ambulances (‘AAA’), the organisation which unites not only Air Ambulance charities from across the country, but also operators and ambulance services. The Association gives a national voice to a local service.

Caroline Creer, Fundraising Director of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said “We’re joining together with other local Air Ambulances across the country, to ask everyone to get involved during National Air Ambulance Week.”

Caroline added “Why not hold a mufti or a dress up/dress down day at your school, college or work place?  We believe fundraising should be fun and an event like this is easy to organise and takes very little pre planning.  We can also help with posters and wristbands for those taking part.”

You may wish to organise your own event – maybe you want to hold a cake sale, fete, or do something more daring like a parachute jump or sponsored swim. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that all monies raised will stay locally, helping to keep your local Air Ambulance flying.

To register your event or find out more about how you can help contact Devon Air Ambulance Trust on 01392 466666 or email info@daat.org