Sainbury's Dewsbury shoppers raise huge sum for air ambulance

The entire community pulled together to help the store raise almost £9,000 for the charity in their second year of working together.

The overall total from the two-year relationship now stands at £17,176, which includes a £1,573 donation from the supermarket’s head office.

Last week helicopter paramedics Kerry Garner and Lee Greenwood visited the store to meet employees and enjoy an afternoon tea to celebrate the successful link-up.

By coincidence, Lee worked for Sainsbury’s at two of their West Yorkshire stores for a decade before joining the ambulance service nine years ago.

“It had been a great partnership over the two years and we were very touched by the generosity of Sainsbury’s Dewsbury customers and colleagues. The money raised has really made a difference to us,” said Kerry.

Dewsbury store manager Mick Hepworth was delighted to hand over the cash.

“It has been fantastic to see the way everyone had contributed to the fundraising total and worked together since we started working with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We have enjoyed coming up with ways to support this very worthy cause and it’s great to think that we’re making a positive difference to so many people.”

Mick, Kerry and Lee are pictured with deputy store manager Craig Martin and staff from Sainsbury’s Dewsbury.