The Thames Valley Air Ambulance are thanking supporters across Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham for the money they have raised this year.

Thames Valley Air Ambulance have received a huge amount of support throughout the year, as they have become fully independent and reliant on community funding.

Ruth Dunkin Head of Community and Events at Thames Valley Air Ambulance said: “on behalf of everybody at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we are so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from our supporters in Reading, Berkshire and beyond.”

There has been a variety of support for the air ambulance this year including Reading based businessman Dom Renshaw. He raised almost £13,000, enough money to keep a helicopter fuelled and flying for two weeks.

Ruth added: “they are our heroes. They’ve braved extreme weathers, from snow storms to blistering heat to raise the vital funds to keep our crew at the frontline of saving lives.”

Another community fundraiser is a volunteer group called Burgfield Santas from Reading. The group held regular fancy dress events, bike rides and beer festivals. They raised more than £60,000 for the charity.

Ruth said: “as a charity, we do not receive any government funding. Therefore, without the donations from our supporters, we quite literally could not deliver critical emergency care to those in urgent need.”

This year Thames Valley Air Ambulance was chosen as the charity partner of the Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading. They have been in partnership for ten years and have raised £177k through collections and activities.