Newark Community First Aid launched an appeal to raise funds for a new £80,000 mobile treatment unit

A charity has launched an appeal to raise funds to buy a new £80,000 mobile treatment unit.

Newark Community First Aid already has funds allocated to this project but aims to raise £30,000 via funding applications and fundraising.

The new ambulance/mobile unit will ensure the team can continue to provide a high-quality service to the hundreds of events they cover currently and allow them to cover other events requested.

Philip Jessop, the charity’s operations manager said: “In 2023 we saw events returning to pre-pandemic levels and during this last year demand has continued to rise.

“Many more small events are requesting first aid cover ensuring a safety net in case of sudden illness and injury, whilst local venues such as Newark Showground continue to attract major national and regional events.

“We have always placed emphasis on providing adequate treatment facilities at events as many of the events we cover are in rural areas with limited or no buildings suitable for use as first aid posts.”

Newark Community First Aid ended its last operating year on June 30, 2024, with its second busiest year ever providing first aid to cover events in the area, and a record-breaking year regarding training.

The first fundraiser for the appeal has been launched by Abbie Sumner, a volunteer at the charity, who is in her fourth year at medical school and is studying to become a psychiatrist.

Abbie has secured a place in the 2025 London Marathon and has set up a GoFundMe Page to raise funds for the appeal.

Abbie said: “Being a volunteer with Newark Community First Aid helped me to gain my gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and the first aid experience helped with my medical school interviews.

“Running the London Marathon and raising funds towards the new vehicle will be my way of repaying the charity”.

The 12-year-old charity has invested heavily in resources increasing its vehicle fleet and in 2022 opening a purpose-built First Aid Centre at Newark Showground.

This year, saw the largest intake of new volunteers since it was formed and they have plans for a major recruitment campaign in spring 2025.