Swindon Lions donate £1000 to Air Ambulance

Swindon Lions presented Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance with a cheque for £1000, raised from last year’s firework display at the Polo Ground.

Last year a member of the Swindon Lions Club had a very serious medical emergency in his home. A 999 call produced emergency responders one of whom was a doctor from the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance charity. This medic was able to resuscitate the member sufficiently for him to be taken to GWH where he underwent a number of procedures and now continues to make a good recovery. 

Pete Kennewell, President of the Swindon Lions Club, said: "Club members were only vaguely aware of the activities of the air ambulance but hadn’t appreciated just how important its role is in helping to save the lives of our fellow citizens following medical emergencies and accidents. The club was shocked to discover that it costs around £5m a year to run the service and that it receives no funding from the government and it is entirely dependent on charitable donations.

“Last year the fireworks display on the Polo Ground was both wonderful and profitable and it was decided to donate £1000 of these profits to the Air Ambulance Charity. In response, we were invited to visit the base to see the vehicles and control centre and to meet some of the staff.”

The visit took place on Thursday 26 June where the Lions were able to tour the centre and also meet several members of staff.

Pete said: “We were most impressed by their enthusiasm and professionalism. The club could only make this donation because of the support we receive from members of public.

"This year the fireworks this year will be held at the Polo Ground on 1 November.”

For more information please visit: @SwindonLions