Swindon running club has raised over £1600 for Wiltshire Air Ambulance

The Slinn Allstars running club has been putting in the miles for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

The club is one of Swindon’s largest, and is committed not only to supporting enjoyment and fun while getting fit, but also to giving back to the community through charity work.

Last year members decided to raise funds for the air ambulance to help the charity continue its work in getting emergency medical assistance to people urgently in need.  

In May, the club hosted runners from clubs across Swindon to take part in a charity run, cake sale and raffle.  Further fundraising work in the year, including a rock and roll bingo and raffle at the club’s Christmas party, resulted in a total of £1636.84 being raised. 

At a recent club night, Slinn Allstars members were pleased to welcome Douglas Looman and Hilary Fleming from Wiltshire Air Ambulance to receive a cheque and give club members an insight into the important work of the aircraft, crew and volunteers. 

Slinn Allstars Committee Secretary Alex Davis said: “A huge thank you to all our members for supporting their club with raising funds for our chosen charity Wiltshire Air Ambulance.  

"This is a fabulous charity for us to have worked with in 2023 and I can speak from personal family experience when I say I know how incredibly valuable this service is to the Wiltshire community.  

"Thank you, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and volunteers, for all the work you do.”

Cas Loudon, Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s senior community manager, said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a charity, and it costs £4.5 million to continue our lifesaving service. 

"The charity receives no regular Government funding or National Lottery grants, so we rely solely on donations from the public, businesses, and local community groups such as Slinn Allstars to keep the helicopter flying and saving lives. 

"We can't thank them enough for their fundraising and very kind donation.”