We've become a GNAAS Corporate Partner after raising over £8,000

After raising over £8,000 through a sponsored hike, Castles and Coasts Housing Association (CCHA) have become an official Corporate Partner of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

To raise much needed funds for the GNAAS, colleagues from across CCHA completed a 9.5-mile hike up Haystacks, one of the well-known Lake District Wainwrights. The walk was led by an experienced guide and an ex Mountain Rescue volunteer who lives at our Greta Gardens extra care scheme in Keswick.

Sponsored by generous colleagues, friends and relatives, the intrepid hikers quickly raised over £4,000 in sponsorship. With near-perfect weather conditions, the group set off early, taking in the stunning views of the Lake District National Park.

Adam Gould, Head of Customer Services and Engagement at CCHA said:

“What a day we had! Not only are we thrilled to have raised a phenomenal amount for this amazing life-saving charity, but we also got the chance to spend time with colleagues we don’t usually work with day-to-day. The whole experience was tiring but fabulous! A huge thank you to each and every person that donated.”

In support of the team’s effort CCHA offered £4000 of match funding, bringing the total donated to over £8,000. CCHA are now a corporate partner of GNAAS, supporting their mission to provide world-class critical care to those that need it most.

Natasha Banks, specialist fundraiser at GNAAS, said: “Well done to everyone who hiked up Haystacks, and helped raise money for GNAAS. We are delighted to receive a donation for more than £8,000 from CCHA and have them as one of our Corporate Partners. As a charity, we do not receive any government funding and have to raise approximately £9.3m to remain operational, so we are very grateful for their support.”

Speaking about becoming a corporate partner, Adam (pictured above, second right) said:

“We’re proud to support and partner with The Great North Air Ambulance Service. It's incredibly reassuring to know that GNAAS operates across our region. Their vital, lifesaving work directly benefits the communities we serve all across the north of England.”

The GNAAS brings pioneering pre-hospital care to a scene, rescuing hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year. It is not NHS-funded and costing £25,200 per day to operate, relies completely on donations. Last year the GNAAS was called out 2,216 times.

CCHA’s Charity and Volunteering Committee will be looking at ways in which we can help the GNAAS raise even more funds in the future.