Oxfordshire raises staggering amount for helicopter service

A total of 22 teams turned out to raise funds for a new high-speed helicopter and take part in an 18-hole Stableford competition over the Rees Jones-designed course.

John Whittington, John Hathaway, Ben Cotton and Tim Mitchell took first place for the day with a total of 89 points.

The day also included a raffle and auction among other fundraising activities which all contributed towards the total of £23,000.

The helicopter is on call seven days a week, 365 days a year providing a vital service to people across the counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

The service has been helping sick and injured citizens since 1999, and made an appearance at The Oxfordshire ahead of the event to raise awareness.

The cost of running the helicopter is around £1.2 million each year. This money comes from individuals, groups, businesses, companies and clubs including fundraising events such as the one at The Oxfordshire.

Pat Conafrey, income development manager for the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance, said: The new helicopter is a milestone in the Trust s history, and one we are immensely proud of.

However, to keep it flying, we need the unstinting support of the community as a whole and the superb contribution made by clubs like The Oxfordshire.

We are immensely grateful to everyone at The Oxfordshire. Not only did the club provide the facilities for us to launch the new TVAC air ambulance giving it its first public showing, but they have followed it up with a golfing event which has raised a staggering amount of money for the charity.

It is impossible to underestimate the contribution you make as our fund-raising campaign says, We rely on you so you can rely on us .

For more information about the Thames Valley and Chiltern Air Ambulance visit www.tvacaa.org or call 0300 999 0135