Hunt supporters present cheque to Air Ambulance

The Bicester and Whaddon Chasers Supporters' Club donated £1,000 to Thames Valley Air Ambulance (TVAA) at a meet of the Bicester Hunt with Whaddon Chase (BHWC) held at Greatworth, Northants, on Saturday 28^th January.

Chairman of the Supporters' Club, Patrick Martin (pictured top left) and other members of the Supporters' Club presented a cheque to Ruth Dunkin (second left), the Head of Community & Events at Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The Supporters' Club, which raises funds throughout the year through a series of events and other activities, chose to support the charity this year because of the important service it provides across the Thames Valley.

"Knowing that the air ambulance can land almost anywhere and rescue you is a huge comfort to all of those who hunt or ride horses across country and we are delighted to be able to offer our thanks by making this presentation," explained Patrick Martin.

Collecting the cheque on behalf of TVAA, Ms Dunkin exclaimed: "We are extremely grateful for the fabulous donation of £1,000. It is only due to the generous support and fundraising from our local community that our crew can be there, giving the best chance when the worst happens for those going through perhaps the most traumatic moment of their lives.

"We've just completed our busiest year ever attending over 3,000 call outs across the rural and urban landscape of the Thames Valley. It is your support that funds these life-saving missions, allowing us to continue to care for people at the scene and beyond. A huge thank you from all of us at Thames Valley Air Ambulance."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance, and a former joint-master of the BHWC praised those involved in the fundraising: "It is wonderful to see the Supporters' Club making a generous donation to this fabulous charity which provides such a valuable service across the Thames Valley. We all hope that we will never require this service but it is a great comfort knowing that it is available if needed and that wouldn't be possible without the generosity of groups like the Supporters' Club raising funds to help the community."

Patrick Martin recalls a crunching fall from his horse during his time as huntsman of the BHWC when he benefited from the services of the air ambulance: "The accident happened in a place that wasn't very accessible and it was obvious I needed hospital treatment so one of our supporters suggested that they carry me on a gate to the nearest track so that help could reach me. Thankfully I was spared a ride on a gate when news came through that the air ambulance would soon be landing! This may have been many years ago but I am still incredibly grateful for the treatment I was given that day and am delighted the Supporters' Club is able to make a donation to this very worthy cause."

Image courtesy of Ady Bull