Fitness By Design Supports the Air Ambulance

27 May 2009

Fitness by Design's number one charity is the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Living in a very rural location with many of our members and staff having close links with farming, horse riding, rugby and many more outside persuits the Air Ambulance is an invaluable resource close to our hearts. Reliant solely on private fundraising and donations to keep it flying at a cost of £3,500 per day it deserves all of our support as it saves hundreds of lives every year. Andy Packham, one of the paramedics on board, has been a long standing member of our club imparting valuable knowledge to all of our staff to ensure you are working out in the safest place possible. Ken and Jenny Wadden, volunteers who collect money for them, are also successful members of our club.
On the 9th of May we were privileged to be invited to Henstridge by Andy to see their brand new hanger and helicopter. Members of Fitness by Design in recent months have successfully raised £300 which we donated on their behalf.
The new helicopter cost over £3 million but has a speed of 160mph and a range of 450 miles. It can reach Salisbury hospital in 6 minutes from Henstridge as well as reaching the most remote locations, saving vital minutes. With between 3 to 6 callouts per day it is used much more than any of us think so whenever you see them fund raising please give generously as we all know lots of people in rural locations who may need their help one day. I have seen them in action on 3 occasions with road accidents and injuries to rugby players when as the first aider on the seen I have been very pleased to see them.
Thankyou to everyone at Henstridge who made us feel very welcome.