A popular fundraising event at Frenches Farm near Andover has helped raise more than £43,000 for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Anna White, who lives at Frenches Farm, began fundraising for the charity in 2013. Her latest Frenches Farm Fun Ride, held annually at the end of April, has taken her overall fundraising total to £43,367.
Frenches Farm is a busy working farm and livery set in the Hampshire countryside, with views across the North Wessex Downs.
This year’s Fun Ride saw 150 riders take part in the horse-riding event, which has become a much-loved date in the local riding community’s calendar.
The money raised could help fund vital life-saving equipment used by air ambulance crews, including ventilators, mechanical chest compression machines, ultrasound equipment and blood analysing machines.
Anna’s fundraising efforts over the years have included the annual Fun Ride, conquering Machu Picchu, completing the Three Peaks Challenge, taking part in a charity skydive and hosting dinners, bake sales, auctions and raffles.
Anna said:
“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is very close to my heart, and I am a huge supporter of this wonderful, life-saving charity.
“I decided to start raising funds for them because they provide critical, life-saving care to patients 365 days a year across the region and rely entirely on community donations to keep flying.
“I feel very strongly that we must all help to keep such a wonderful charity alive and decided to start fundraising to bring in much needed critical funds to support the incredible, professional, caring charity that Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance offers.”
Keith Wilson, Director of Income and Engagement, said:
“Anna is a stalwart of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance fundraising community. It is a joy and a privilege to support her events and marvel at her dedication to our cause.
“A thank you will never be enough for the hours of tireless work she has put in, purely to help save and change lives of others across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”