Kind donation provides St John Ambulance with new vehicle

 

New Ambulance for Hampshire charity could be difference between lives lost and lives saved.

A new life-saving vehicle has been presented to St John Ambulance in Romsey, thanks to a £20,000 donation from The Edwina Mountbatten and Leonora Children’s Foundation.

Lady Brabourne, who has taken over the running of Broadlands and is High Steward of Romsey, presented the ambulance to local representatives of the charity at the Romsey Show President’s Reception. The ambulance made its debut at the popular event.

Dean Allen, St John Ambulance Divisional Superintendent of the Romsey Division, said ‘The new Land Rover ambulance will replace our 24 year-old Crusader which was beginning to show it’s age.’ Money raised through public donations and the division’s regular fundraising events was used to meet the full cost of the vehicle.

‘This is a great outcome for all members of our community who have supported St John Ambulance in our area, as the ambulance will provide a great service to the area,’ Dean added. The ambulance will not only be used at events such as the Romsey Show, but will also provide backup to the NHS ambulance service.

When it became apparent that the Romsey division of St John Ambulance needed a new ambulance, Dean drafted a proposal to The Foundation appealing for urgent funds towards a vehicle. ‘They responded within 24 hours of our proposal being submitted. We are very grateful with the urgency with which they helped us meet our needs.’

He added ‘Thanks must also go to the Romsey Show Society for allowing the presentation to take place at the reception. St John Ambulance has a very close working relationship with both The Romsey Show and Broadlands Estates. At events across the county, first aid support from St John Ambulance can make the difference between lives lost and saved.’