When shopping at Waitrose earlier today (Thursday 19 December) there was no worry about having to pack all the shopping into your bag at the checkout. Volunteers were on hand to take that task away as part of an event to raise funds for Wiltshire Air Ambulance and in the evening shoppers were serenaded by carol singing from Burbage’s ‘Spotty Dog Choir.
Organised by Bob Norbury with lots of help from Waitrose Community Champion Lisa Wakeham, this was another big event in Bob’s fund raising campaign for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
Ex-Para Bob had a freak accident in Burbage last year where he lost one leg and seriously damaged the other. ”Wiltshire Air Ambulance were the first ones to Burbage and they saved my life” explained Bob, adding that since the accident he has campaigned to raise money for the Air Ambulance and he was indebted to Waitrose for their help today.
So far Bob has raised more than £7,500 from all the events he has organised, some with the ‘Spotty Dog Choir’ that he pulled back together after the accident, but all with the clear aim to raise funds to help keep the Air Ambulance flying across the Wiltshire skies.
“It is really important for us to work together today with Wiltshire Air Ambulance” explained Waitrose Team Manager Phil Walters, noting that the Air Ambulance were also part of the October ‘Community Matters’ green token scheme which raised a further £641 from customers’ selections.
“We are always looking for charities and other local organisations that could benefit from being part of the ‘Community Matters’ scheme” he added, encouraging such groups to get in touch with either him or Lisa Wakeham at Marlborough’s Waitrose store.
“You never know when you might need them” added Air Ambulance volunteer Stewart, manning the merchandise stand in the foyer with a bit of help from Air Ambulance mascot Marsha. “Every bit helps to keep this vital service in the air”.