The Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) is one of our main charities and over the years we've raised over £15,000 to help keep its two helicopters flying and support the critical work of its dedicated team.DAAT was our chosen charity for 2010 so we were delighted to meet up with them recently to present a cheque for £1,712 to supplement the trauma training manikin donated early last year. As well as donations by staff, the fundraising effort is kindly supported by our holidaymakers throughout the year and Helpful Holidays matches the total raised. A big thank you to all involved.
We've first hand experience of the DAAT's excellent work too. My colleague, Christine Phillips, explains, “We are based here on Dartmoor and no less than three of our members of staff have been airlifted so it is a charity that is very close to our hearts. My own daughter, Merryn, was just two weeks old when she needed airlifting from Dartmoor to Exeter Hospital last autumn. You never think you will need the Air Ambulances yourself but, when you do, it is so reassuring to know that they are there. We live and work in a beautiful but remote part of the county and the speed with which the helicopters and medical crew can reach us really does make a difference.”
Caroline Creer, Director of Fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance Trust said, “We are very grateful to all at Helpful Holidays for their superb support. It is certainly a coincidence that we have been able to assist in three emergencies for them directly, but, whether it be for residents of our beautiful county or for holidaymakers enjoying the area, we are thankful for the generosity shown by the staff and customers of Helpful Holidays.”Pictured above, left to right: Helen Mackie, Devon Air Ambulance Paramedic involved in the rescue of little Merryn; Christine Phillips and daughter, Merryn and Helen Hayes of Helpful Holidays.
For further information on DAAT and the wonderful work they do, please visit their website or follow their news on Facebook or Twitter.