New Heli Appeal boost from Cornwall’s biggest charity grotto

The New Heli Appeal has had a boost thanks to donations from Cornwall’s biggest charity grotto.

In December more than 3,000 children journeyed through the Santa’s Grotto at Trevena Cross Nursery to meet Father Christmas. The event was put on with the support of The Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard and raised over £9,500 which was split between Cornwall Air Ambulance, The Invictus Trust and other causes in the Parish of Breage.

A total of £2,500 was donated to the New Heli Appeal, the campaign which seeks to bring a new air ambulance helicopter to Cornwall.

Trevena Cross owner, Graham Jeffery, said: “We pulled out all the stops to hand-build the biggest, most show-stopping grotto we’ve ever attempted for December 2018. We wanted 2018 to be one that visitors remember for a long time! Weeks, even months of hard work from the Trevena Cross team went into this year’s creation, which saw a spectacular arctic and woodland scene combine to make pure magic.

“It is really satisfying to know that we helped lots of local families create wonderful memories in the build up to Christmas, but even more satisfying to be able to give wonderfully worthy Cornish charities/causes a sizeable donation that can really make a difference, thanks to the support of all our grotto visitors. It makes the many hours of hard work, beforehand and during the event, completely worthwhile. A big thanks to The Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard, without whom, it wouldn’t all have been possible.”

Gemma Collins, Community Fundraising Officer for Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted to receive this donation- thanks to everyone who attended and to Trevena Cross and Helston-Lizard Rotary for supporting the charity. The grotto looked incredible and it’s a fantastic to benefit from this great local event.”