Supporters of the Cottesmore Hunt raise more than £20,000 for the Air Ambulance Service

Supporters of the Cottesmore Hunt have raised more than £20,000 for the Air Ambulance Service following a dedicated fundraising campaign conducted throughout December.

Donors were inspired to contribute following a pledge by a very generous hunt supporter who vowed to match pound for pound all donations made during the appeal. A target of £10,000 was set with many donations adding Gift Aid which has increased the value of those donations by 25%, meaning even more money goes towards the cause.

The hunt's local air ambulance service for Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland has helicopters on standby 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Without any government funding, the charity relies upon fundraising, with the fuel alone costing around £1700 per mission.
The hunt made an announcement on social media last week which exclaimed: "Wow…we have raised just over £20,000 (plus Gift aid) for our local air ambulance with our recent appeal".

Clare Bell, secretary of the hunt, was thrilled with the response from their supporters: "The Air Ambulance are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our appeal and have expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to our fundraiser because it helps them to continue their vital work which is so greatly valued by the rural community."

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance said: "Generous hunt supporters have yet again showed how much they value this wonderful service which enables lifesaving equipment to reach those in need and give them the best chance of survival and recovery. Congratulations to the organisers and to all those who contributed to this incredible fundraising effort."