Spar staff raise money for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance

Staff at Spar stores in Portsmouth have raised £1,400 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance after it saved the life of a store manager.

Spar store manager Helen Mclaren suffered a near-fatal incident and required the services of the Air Ambulance which ultimately delivered the blood that saved her life.

To show their appreciation, the staff organised a fundraising walk and music event.

The charity music event took place at The Lounge in Gosport on Saturday 10 June and resulted in £1,400 raised through ticket sales and raffle entries. Overall, the team has raised £1,900 of its £2,000 goal, with Appleby Westward, topping up the amount raised with £500.

Appleby Westward is also showing its support of the staff initiative with Air Ambulance collection pots at the till in stores and by encouraging staff to wear green and yellow, the colours of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, on the day of the walk. Additional fundraising events including raffles and bake sales are being planned throughout the year.

A charity walk is expected to help the staff reach their goal.

Store managers Tanya Ward and Kate Stephenson said: Tanya said: “After the horrendous ordeal Helen went through we wanted to do our bit for the Air Ambulance to show how grateful we are for the amazing lifesaving work they do. The walk is a fun way for any of the team to get involved in fundraising.

“Helen is well known in the area for her kindness and willingness to help; she is not only a great colleague but also a good friend. We’re so lucky to still have her with us, and give credit to the amazing Ambulance and the Air Ambulance teams who together saved her life. We’re so proud to be helping raise money and spread awareness of this brilliant charity.”

Area manager and Helen’s daughter, Indya Rose, said: “Words can’t describe how grateful we are for the services of the Air Ambulance which saved my mum’s life. And to now see my store managers, the company and the community all come together to show their support for the charity is such an incredible feeling.”