The Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) helicopter will pay a visit to the Malmesbury Family Fun Day on Saturday, a major event in this year’s Carnival.

Subject to operational needs, the Bell 429 helicopter is due to arrive at Malmesbury Victoria Football ground around 2pm and stay for a couple of hours. 

During this time Malmesbury League of Friends (MLOF) chairman David Hide will formally present a donation of £25,000.

Each year WAA needs to raise £4 million a year to continue saving lives, which works out around £11,000 a day. It means the MLOF donation has paid for more than two days’ of charity’s operations.

David Hide said: “We are delighted to welcome the WAA helicopter to Malmesbury at last. 

"This was planned for 2020, but postponed because of Covid. It will certainly be an additional attraction for visitors, who will be able to inspect it and meet the crew.”

Paul Overton from Malmesbury Carnival said: “We are very grateful to WAA for finding the time in their busy schedule to visit the Family Fun Day and also to Persimmon Homes, on whose land adjacent to the Vic’s football ground the helicopter will land.” 

Barbara Gray, director of income generation and communications for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are so grateful for the continued support of the Malmesbury League of Friends and their latest generous donation of £25,000. 

"We are a charity and rely on generous donations like this to continue providing our lifesaving service across Wiltshire, Bath and surroundings areas.” 

WAA will remain operational throughout their visit and could be called away at any moment. On average the aircrew are called to three lifesaving missions each day. 

Malmesbury Carnival is now in full swing with dozens of events taking place in the town over the next few weeks, including the return of the procession on September 3.

More information about upcoming events is available at malmesburycarnival.co.uk