Somerstock presents £1,500 to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance

Somerstock has donated £1,500 to Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance, following this year’s festival.

The cheque was presented to members of the air ambulance medical team and pilot Scott Armstrong (right) on 12 September by Somerstock Festival Chairman Fred Basset and Festival Treasurer Martyn Smith, in recognition of the vital work carried out by the air ambulance team across the region.

Speaking on behalf of the charity, head of finance Sarah Davies said, “I would like to thank Somerstock for their generous and kind donation of £1,500.00 raised at the recent festival in July.  It sounds like the Somerstock was a wonderful way to bring people together while raising vital funds.”

Every year, the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance crew respond to thousands of life‑threatening emergencies across the region, delivering specialist critical care when every second counts. Whether at a roadside, in a home, at work or in a remote location, they bring the hospital to the patient, delivering advanced life-saving treatment.

Sarah went on to say: “The generosity of organisations like Somerstock makes this possible. Each mission costs around £3,500 and with demand rising to around eight emergencies a day, your support helps us operate 19 hours a day by helicopter and car. As a charity receiving no direct government funding, every mission is only possible thanks to the kindness of our local communities.”

The charity has been supported by Somerstock and the Somerton Music & Arts Festival on a number of occasions, reflecting the festival’s commitment to supporting organisations that make a difference in the local community.

There was also a personal connection at the presentation. Scott, has worked in the past with Fred’s brother-in-law and fellow festival committee member Brian Dobson.

Fred and Martyn were joined for the presentation by members of the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance medical team and Scott, representing the crew whose work the donation helps to support.

Somerstock is a volunteer-run festival organised by the Somerton Music & Arts Festival, with donations to local charities and community organisations forming an important part of its work beyond the festival weekend.

 

Photo: Air ambulance medical team pictured with festival chairman Fred Bassett and pilot Scott Armstrong.