Lifesaving charity Magpas has received a donation of £4,000 from developer Persimmon Homes East Midlands.

The charity successfully applied for a Community Champions grant from the developer, based in Peterborough, and was awarded a cheque to use towards running costs.

The air ambulance, along with two off-road rapid response vehicles, are currently based at RAF Wyton, near Huntingdon, and respond to calls from across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and further into the East of England. 

The charity has recently moved to a new purpose-built headquarters in Alconbury Weald, offering better facilities for crew members and a hub for charity staff.

Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Nick Sandford, joined representatives from Persimmon to present the cheque and said: “Magpas is one of my chosen charities for the year because I know how important it is to get medical help to someone who is injured or undergoing a medical emergency as soon as possible.

“Having seen their new headquarters, I can see that it will further improve the service they offer and ensure they support even more people in Peterborough and the rest of the region.”

Amy Rowlands, sales director at Persimmon Homes East Midlands, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the team at Magpas.

"The crews offer a vital service, providing life-saving emergency care to hundreds of people in this area each year."

A spokesperson from Magpas said: “We are so grateful for the support of Persimmon Homes through their Community Champions fund. This donation will help keep us flying, ensuring our incredible medics can be there to save the lives of people who need them. Thank you so much.”