In April, Johnsons Coaches drove to the base of local charity, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), with a very special delivery for the local life saving crew, a cheque for over £15,000.

Johnsons Coaches decided to support WNAA to mark their 100^th Anniversary by pledging to raise £10,000. Due to the enthusiastic drive and commitment of the Johnson’s team they pushed their target and actually raised a staggering £15,800! John Johnson, Sales & Marketing Director of Johnsons Coach and Bus Travel, and his niece Victoria, Projects Manager at Johnsons presented the cheque to crew who were just returning from a mission.

“After 100 successful years as a leading independent coach operator, we wanted to give something back to the local area” says John Johnson.  “Supporting the WNAA gave us an opportunity to do just that.  Notably by contributing to a vital, life-saving local service that does not receive any government funding.  Our fundraising efforts also made it possible to reach out to the whole local community in a series of celebratory events, including a great big Family Fun Day and a Fireworks Display Finale.

“Our centenary year excelled all of our expectations, particularly the final fundraising figure.  We set out to raise £10,000 but, thanks to the support of our staff, customers and friends, managed to add another 50% to that figure.  We’d like to thank everyone who helped to make it a spectacular year, for all their support in not only reaching this target, but exceeding it.”

Jo Payne, WNAA Fundraiser for Warwickshire commented, “On behalf of Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance I would like to say ‘thank you’ for this generous amount. The whole team have worked so hard to not only reach this target but to exceed it. Their drive and commitment is simply marvellous.  As a registered charity we receive no government or Lottery funding and so rely on kind donations such as this."

WNAA is a registered charity that provides emergency care to people who live, work or travel through the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire regions and beyond when needed.   Normally a patient would only benefit from advanced analgesia and anaesthetics in the A&E department whereas WNAA have the skill set and resources to manage the patient on scene. The additional skills of the WNAA crew bring the hospital emergency department to the accident scene and can often make the difference between life and death.