Money saving expert turns to saving lives across Swindon and Wiltshire

Martin Lewis, the man famous for helping people save money, has turned his attentions to saving lives across Swindon and Wiltshire, and Bath.

The journalist and broadcaster, who founded the website MoneySavingExpert.com, has donated £500 to Wiltshire Air Ambulance through a social media competition.

Martin Lewis, 50, who stars in ITV1's 'The Martin Lewis Money Show' and BBC Sounds podcast 'The Martin Lewis Podcast', handed out cash to charities to celebrate reaching two million followers on Twitter.

He allowed his followers to nominate charitable causes to receive £500 each and selected two at random, with a third benefitting by virtue of his two millionth follower.

Teresa Harris nominated Wiltshire Air Ambulance, and was selected in the competition, ensuring the lifesaving charity received the sizeable donation.

Responding on Twitter, Teresa said: “Oh my goodness. Martin Lewis, I’m sending an even bigger thank you, just so generous. I love this charity! What a lovely thing to do.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance critical care paramedic Adam Khan said: “Thanks to Teresa for your recent nomination on Martin Lewis’ Twitter post and to Martin, thank you for your generous donation to our important service.”

Other charities to benefit from the competition donations were the Children’s Heart Unit Fund in the North of England and Doddie Weir’s MND Foundation.

Wiltshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £4million each year to continue flying and saving lives. The charity says it receives no regular direct Government funding or National Lottery grants. 

Providing helicopter emergency medical services across Swindon and Wiltshire, Bath and the surrounding areas, Wiltshire Air Ambulance attends, on average, three lifesaving missions every day of the year.

For more information about the charity, people can visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk.