A community-led effort in Whitehaven has raised £50,000 through clothing collections.
The donations have supported the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), and the scheme was started by 32-year-old Jordan Mattinson in 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic, with Whitehaven Rugby Club offering space to store the clothing.
Mr Mattinson said: "The feeling on seeing the clothes build up on the first collection was unbelievable, there were convoys of cars coming to drop off what they classed as unwanted items which gradually filled up the rugby club."
Over the past five years, collections have been hosted at Whitehaven RUFC and Hensingham ARLFC, with volunteers from both clubs lending a hand.
Mr Mattinson said: "Without them it wouldn’t be possible, we’ve always had an abundance of helpers on every donation day we’ve done.
"It shows how much the local community values the service of GNAAS."
Following the most recent collection in May, the total raised for the air ambulance stands at around £50,000.
Mr Mattinson said: "We really appreciate everyone who’s donated over the last few years and anyone who’s shared the social media and news posts so people see when the collections are.
"GNAAS is a service that we hope we will never need, but if you do, you’d like to know it’s there.
"We’ll keep doing the drop-off days and hopefully, we can turn that £50,000 into £100,000 and more over the next few years."
Those interested in booking a clothing collection are urged to contact the charity’s recycling team on 01325 308 139, message GNAAS on Facebook or fill in the contact form on their website, at greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/our-work/contact/
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