A woman from Clitheroe is raising money for an emergency service in memory of her mum who died two years ago.
Laura Srawley, 53, is a volunteer for North West Air Ambulance (NWAA), an emergency helicopter ambulance service who receive no government or NHS funding.
Whalley & District Lions Club is running the fundraiser with the help of Laura to try and raise as much money as possible for NWAA.
Laura’s mum Patricia spent her life supporting the NWAA by donating every month and even shaved her hair to raise as much money as possible for the service.
Patricia passed away a couple of years ago so Laura is determined to carry on her mum’s hard work by volunteering and fundraising.
Laura said: “She didn’t realise, as many people don’t, it’s (NWAA) totally, totally community funded. It’s not supported by the government.
“That’s why I became a volunteer. You just never know when you’re going to need it.
"We’ve had an instance in Sabden where a young girl, three years ago, was twenty foot up a tree and fell down.
“The North West Air Ambulance came and her injuries would have been so much worse had they not come and saved here.
“That’s my mum wanted to support it, she was a wonderful woman and it’s the reason I’m so passionate about helping.”
In order to remain operational, North West Air Ambulance has to raise more than £9.5 million each year.
Without government or NHS funding, the helicopter emergency service that covers counties of Chesire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, relies heavily on the generosity of people and charities within the community to continue saving lives.
Margaret, who is a member of Whalley & District Lions Club, is organising the fundraiser event in support of Laura.
She said: "We found out that the North West Ambulance Service doesn't receive any funding from the government, which really surprised me.
"That's why we've decided to do a fundraising event for them. They have to raise a huge amount of money so they need a lot of support."
Whalley & District Lions Club are a charity organization who support a range of projects in the local community – including health and youth initiatives where ordinary people are encouraged to get involved.
The event is taking place on Friday, September 9 at Billington & Whalley Brass Band Club.
Singer Jaycee will be performing Motown and disco classics at the event. There will also be a raffle and auction on the night to raise more money.
Tickets cost £5 each and raffle tickets cost £1 – which you can purchase at the following venues:
Billington & Whalley Brass Band Club - 1-3 Abbey View, Billington, BB7 9NR
Kellie Hughes Hair Studio - 35A King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SP
Athertons Estate Agents - 53 King Street, Whalley, BB7 9SP
DSM CA Limited - The Station House Station Road, Whalley, BB7 9RT
Sabden Village News - 15 Whalley Road, Sabden, BB7 9DZ
Ella Mia Hair & Beauty - 10 Whalley Road, Sabden, BB7 9DZ
Shippey's Store - 27 Padiham Road, Sabden, BB7 9EW
The White Hart - 36 Padiham Road, Sabden, BB7 9EW
If you would like to buy tickets or make a donation to the fundraiser online, you can contact Mags from Whalley & District Lions Club for more information.
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