Christmas open day raises more than £3,100 for Cornwall Air Ambulance

More than 500 people came through the doors of the charity’s headquarters on Saturday 1 December to take part in festive activities at the Christmas open day.

Santa’s Grotto was a sell-out, with 80 children visiting Santa Clause in the helicopter hangar, whilst a pop-up charity shop, and tea and cake stall kept the grown-ups happy.

The open day raised more than £3,100 for the charity, which relies on donations and fundraising to keep the helicopter flying.

Gemma Kidd, Events and Fundraising Officer at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “It was incredible to see so many people come out on a rainy day to support their local air ambulance service. Everyone really got into the festive spirit; we had people making Christmas decorations and cake toppers, and there was story-telling for the younger children.

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome people to the airbase. It’s thanks to their support that the charity can provide this lifesaving service. A huge thanks to our sponsor Puckator for providing goodie bags for the children, and thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a fun day.”

As well as seeing the helicopter and meeting the crew, open day-goers also had entertainment from The Singing Seagulls, who sang Christmas carols.

The winner of the colouring competition was Sayer Vague.