London’s Air Ambulance Charity has received £4m toward the cost of two new helicopters through the prize draw operator Omaze’s most lucrative charitable event.
The charitable funds are being donated to London’s Air Ambulance Charity, which delivers medics and life-saving treatment to patients who are too seriously injured to reach a hospital.
The charity spends £15m a year to provide its year-round, 24-hour service and was aiming to raise an additional £15m to replace its two helicopters.
The money raised from the prize draw means the charity has exceeded its fundraising goal and will be able to bring the new helicopters online from October.
Jonathan Jenkins, chief executive of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Two years ago, the charity launched its most ambitious ever fundraising effort, looking to raise an additional £15m to replace its two current helicopters.
“It was a huge challenge, but we have been blown away by how people have shared our belief in our life-saving cause.
“Thanks to the record-breaking amount raised by the Omaze community, the appeal has now passed its £15m target ahead of its September deadline, meaning the charity can continue to save lives across the city and be there whenever and wherever we are most needed.”
A newlywed couple won the six-week prize draw for a luxury property in London worth more than £5m plus £250,000 in cash.
Hilary and Franco McManus have become the owners of a four-bedroom property in Hackney, east London, which includes a gym, games area and spa facilities.
James Oakes, chief international officer at Omaze, said: “Everyone at Omaze is absolutely delighted that Hillary and Franco have won their dream home in London, while also contributing to our biggest ever raise of £4m for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
“We’re immensely proud that the Omaze community has now raised over £51m for good causes across the UK.”