A GROUP providing life-saving medical aid for rural communities in Uttoxeter is on the road to a new vehicle – thanks to a building society’s 150th anniversary.
All 12 of the Leek United Building Society’s branches have chosen to support an individual charity/good cause throughout 2013, to mark the milestone year.
Manager Jayne Fallows and her team at the Uttoxeter branch, in Market Place, are concentrating their fund-raising activities on the Dove Valley First Responders, who need to raise around £30,000 to replace their emergency call-outs vehicle.
Formed in 2006, the group covers Uttoxeter, Denstone, Rocester and surrounding villages. The responders can often reach the scene of local medical emergencies ahead of ambulance crews, which can dramatically increase the person’s chance of recovery.
Anthony Coates, Dove Valley First Responders co-ordinator, said: “The wear and tear of getting to around 40 incidents a month at high speed really takes its toll on our vehicles, so we have to think very seriously about a replacement every three years or so.
“The cost of funding a new vehicle, including kitting it out with lights and equipment, is a big task for a completely self-funded group such as ours, and we rely very much on the goodwill of the public.
“Jayne and her team have given us continuous support over the years, which has played a major part in keeping us on the road, and we’re delighted that they have chosen to make us the focus of their fund-raising during Leek United’s 150th anniversary year.” Mr Coates visited the branch in the responders’ current four-wheel drive vehicle for the official launch of the event.
