SUPPORTERS of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust broke all records last month by taking part in the Charity’s annual Christmas Raffle, raising over £147,000!

Three cash prizes were up for grabs; £2,000, £1,000 and £500 with the top prize won by Daniel Hendon of Hornchurch. The second prize was won by Teresa Saunders of Great Bentley and the third prize was won by Mrs Meakins from Burnham on Crouch.

Earlier this week, second prize winner Teresa Saunders visited the Earls Colne Airbase to collect her winning £1,000 cheque and to take a tour of the aircraft.

Teresa said: “I started supporting the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust 10 years ago when my husband become a motorcyclist. I have always played the raffle as I am also a regular lottery member.

“I forgot I had even entered so I couldn’t believe I won – I just play to support the Air Ambulance so it was a great bonus.”

Teresa and her husband have just moved house, making the decision to spend their prize money on their new home even easier, Teresa continued: “This money will allow us to get all those finishing touches complete… and to buy a new fridge freezer!”

The Christmas raffle highlighted the story of Tara McIntyre from Braintree, Essex who was involved in a major road accident in February 2014.

Tara’s father John said: “If it wasn’t for the Essex Air Ambulance team Tara wouldn’t be here today. They saved her life and the whole family are just so incredibly grateful for what they did that day.”

Janice Flower, Lottery Manager at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “Many congratulations to our raffle winners and a huge thank you to everyone who supported the raffle by selling and buying tickets and those who made additional donations. Our Doctors, Paramedics and Pilots are trained to save lives just like Tara’s and, thanks to such generous support, they can continue to do their job.

“Without the generosity of the people of Essex & Hertfordshire we simply could not continue to fly and help those who need it the most.”

Anyone who would like to take part in the Spring Raffle, or who would like join the Flight for Life Lottery can visit EHAAT.uk.com or call the Flight for Life Lottery Team on 0345 241 7690.