Over 1,000 pledge to make a difference

Member collecting

A fundraising campaign to recruit new supporters for St John Ambulance has secured donations from over 1,000 people in Somerset. 

A team of door-to-door fundraisers has been talking to people across the county during the last few months and asking them to support the charity by making a regular donation to the organisation.

Ross Young, County Executive Officer for St John Ambulance Somerset, said: 

'We are delighted that the people of Somerset are committed to helping us ensure no one suffers from a lack of trained first aiders and we would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has registered as a supporter.

'First aid can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved and thanks to their generous support we can continue our work locally and empower others to be the difference. Even though our door to door campaign has come to an end in this area, it doesn’t mean people can’t still give to us so anyone who would like to make a one off donation or become a regular donor should get in touch.'

In Somerset the funds raised will also go towards the Carer Support Programme which provides free training and help to the many carers who selflessly look after family, relatives and friends – many having to give up their jobs to do so. St. John Somerset also provides a Library Service using volunteers to distribute library books free to hospitals and care homes across the county. This service has recently been enhanced by the provision of Reminiscence and Life Story work.

As well as recruiting supporters, the team of fundraisers has been issuing residents with a free first aid guide providing advice on how to deal with common life threatening conditions so that if someone chokes, has a heart attack, stops breathing or cuts themselves, some useful information will be close at hand.

If you've not been visited by one of the fundraising team but would like a copy of the free first aid guide then visit www.sja.org.uk or text the word “LIFE” to 85010. To support St John Ambulance's fundraising or to become a volunteer call 08700 10 49 50.