WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance has received a cash donation thanks to employees from a nearby housebuilder.

Each month Persimmon staff take part in fundraising activities to raise money for charities in the areas where its building.

Richard Briggs, managing director said:“We are committed to supporting the communities in which we are building.

"I am very proud that my team generously raised £500.

“Wiltshire Air Ambulance relies on donations to carry out its vital, lifesaving work – an invaluable service to the community.

"We’re delighted to present our latest staff donation to the cause.”

Persimmon Homes Wessex is currently building across Wiltshire and Swindon.

Valerie Whistler, partnerships coordinator for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Sophia, from Persimmon Homes Wessex, to meet some of our team.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Persimmon Homes Wessex for their fantastic donation of £500.

"We are a charity and need to raise £3.25 million every year in order to keep our helicopter and flying and saving lives.

“We’ve been saving lives for 28 years, thanks to the generosity of people who make donations, including from businesses like Persimmon Homes.

"Last year we undertook 875 missions in our helicopter and Rapid Response Cars.

“We will soon be moving to our new airbase at Semington near Melksham, bringing together our operational, fundraising and administrative teams.

"The custom-built airbase will secure out future and enable us to save lives for many years to come.”

As well as staff fundraisers, Persimmon Homes Wessex donates up to £2,000 every month to local worth causes through its Community Champions scheme.

Richard added: “Our Community Champions scheme is about supporting good causes to make a positive change.

“The Persimmon Community Champions initiative is a national programme where charities and groups can apply for funding to match money they have already raised themselves.

Charities and organisations can enter by completing an online application form at www.persimmonhomes.com/charity.”