Persimmon helps keep air ambulance flying

The Magpas air ambulance charity has received a donation of £4,000 from East Midlands region to keep them flying and saving lives.

The charity successfully applied for a Community Champions grant from East Midlands region, based in Peterborough, and was awarded a cheque for £4,000.

The air ambulance, along with two off-road rapid response vehicles, is currently based at RAF Wyton, near Huntingdon, but the charity is in the process of moving to a new purpose-built headquarters in Alconbury Weald, offering better facilities for crew members and a hub for charity staff.

Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Nick Sandford, joined representatives from Persimmon to present the cheque and said: “Magpas is one of my chosen charities for the year because I know how important it is to get medical help to someone who is injured or undergoing a medical emergency as soon as possible. They can get to the scene first and transfer a patient to hospital quickly.

“Having seen their new headquarters, I can see that it will further improve the service they offer and ensure they support even more people in Peterborough and the rest of the region.”

Amy Rowlands, Sales Director at East Midlands region, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the team at Magpas .The crews offer a vital service, providing life-saving emergency care to hundreds of people in this area each year.

“The charity is entirely funded by donations and we are honoured to have been able to support them in their ongoing fundraising so they can focus on saving lives.”

A spokesman from Magpas said: “We are so grateful for the support of Persimmon Homes through their Community Champions fund. This donation will help keep us flying, ensuring our incredible medics can be there to save the lives of people who need them. Thank you so much.”

Picture caption: Amy Rowlands, Sales Director for Persimmon Homes East Midlands, and Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Nick Sandford, with Alex Pearce, Advance Paramedic, and Shauna Truskingery, HEMS Paramedic