As we step into the new year, we’re keen to celebrate the incredible efforts of our fundraising heroes who made January a gooden’ – your unwavering support enables us to continue our life-saving missions across the region.
Let’s take a moment to highlight some of the fundraising activity from last month…
Oh yes they did!
Our dedicated volunteer, Carole, had a delightful afternoon in late December as she visited the Blyth Phoenix Theatre – who doesn’t love a good panto, after all?
The actors and actresses presented a generous cheque for £500, representing a third of all charitable donations made during their pantomime season.
And the donations will keep rolling in until the production comes to a close!
Knitting and Knattering
In December, volunteer Emma from Berwick attended a cheque presentation from the ‘Scremerston Knit & Knatter’ group, celebrating their phenomenal year of fundraising.
Traditionally, they support small charities in Berwick upon Tweed, donating just under £4,000 in 2023.
However, after a local resident, ‘Bounce’ Snell, was airlifted by GNAAS in November 2023, they dedicated 2024 to supporting our service.
Through knitting, coffee mornings, and two major events with raffles in March and September, they raised £7,550 – how impressive?!
Sweet success
Walton & Lees School hosted a mouth-watering pudding night last month, selling delicious goodies to students and parents alike.
The puddings raised £200 for our life-saving service, and Miles simply couldn’t wait to celebrate with the pupils!
Encore, encore!
The Contemporary Community Choir held a concert that raised an astounding £5,960, bringing their total contributions to our service in 2024 to £13,265.
And that’s not all they’ve been up to… over the past three years, the choir has raised £26,945 for local charities.
Keep singing, guys!
Calendars for a cause
We had the privilege of welcoming Wendy Cottier from Workington to our base in January, too.
This lovely lady tirelessly fundraises throughout the year, including creating and selling calendars featuring her photography.
Last year, she raised £2,100 for our life-saving service, bringing her total raised to £7,894.77 – now that’s how to turn a hobby into something incredible.
Darts and donations
Recognise this chap? This is Leeroy, one of our Clothing Collection drivers (the one with the adorable chihuahua, who’s nestled into the door of the heli in the below picture!).
He decided to play a part in our life-saving mission, by encouraging dart players from Pooley Bridge to host a competitive game whilst raising funds.
The players raised a pretty impressive £200 and had a whole lot of fun while doing so!
Pinkies in the air
The Doxford Estate, Charlton Hall, Doxford Barn, and The Tempus Venue in Northumberland nominated us as their Charity of the Year in 2024.
Throughout last year, they donated £2 per person from a series of afternoon teas, raising £1,540… who knew tea and cake could do so much good?!
Even better, they are also curating a prize package for our annual raffle’s second prize, and they’re keen to keep up the support throughout 2025 – we can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeves.
A little inspiration goes a long way
Ladies from Melsonby Women’s Institute paid a visit to our HQ in January, to proudly present us with a cheque for £875.26.
The group felt inspired to support our charity, after having a chat with our volunteer Bob back in 2023.
Since then, they’ve organised various fundraising events, including a coffee morning and a clothing collection, and they don’t plan on stopping there, either – we can’t wait to see what you guys get up to in 2025!
We are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of our supporters. Your contributions make a significant impact, enabling us to provide critical care when it’s needed most. Thank you to all our fundraising heroes for making January one to remember.