The Lakes and Dales Co-operative has donated funds from the sale of single-use carrier bags to support the Great North Air Ambulance.
The business, part of Scotmid Co-operative, runs nine stores in Cumbria and the north-east of England.
The funding will be used to purchase 40 thermal blankets, temperature-controlled boxes to carry blood and plasma, and the service and repair of flight helmets.
The air ambulance operates three helicopters from its bases at Langwathby in Cumbria and at Durham Tees Valley Airport, which are staffed by a doctor, a pilot and a paramedic. They travel throughout the region, often to remote rural locations, to help patients who are seriously at risk from life-threatening illnesses.
Lakes and Dales Co-operative regional committee member John Mills said: “Lakes and Dales Co-op are proud to fund equipment for the Great North Air Ambulance – the service they provide across the community is invaluable.
“The region has a very rural community and this is a project that definitely merits our support and funding. As a co-operative, funding the Great North Air Ambulance fits our values our principles – we want to help the communities we serve.
“This funding is playing a small part in helping to make a big difference to an incredibly important service – the professionalism and dedication shown by the Great North Air Ambulance team on a daily basis is absolutely phenomenal.”
Dr Rachel Hawes from the Great North Air Ambulance said: “The funding from Lakes and Dales Co-op will make a huge difference. We’re hugely grateful because, without donations, we wouldn’t be able to run the service.”
