CHAGFORD’s Helpful Holidays has raised an incredible £10,581.28 throughout 2016 for Devon Air Ambulance Trust (DAAT) as their chosen charity of the year.

Over £8,500 of the funds were raised by Helpful Holidays customers, prompted by Helpful Holidays as an optional donation when making their holiday booking.

The company raised further funds through a charity cricket match held at Chagford Cricket Club in the summer of 2016, in which DAAT employees Dave Hawes and Afnan Tellesy competed against the Helpful Holidays team.

The company annually rotating their support between DAAT, Farms for City Children and The Marine Conservation Society. DAAT was chosen because of the invaluable service provided for both residents and holiday makers alike in our beautiful rural county.

Over the years the company has raised over £37,000 for DAAT.

Helen Hayes, Helpful Holidays PR Manager, said: ‘DAAT is a charity close to our heart.

‘In our Chagford based office alone numerous members of the Helpful Holidays team have been airlifted, from riding accidents to children being seriously ill, and each time the service has brought back to us all how very fortunate the West Country is to have such an amazing service on hand. It’s a pleasure to help raise money for this wonderful charity.’

Tracy Owen, DAA Fundraising Manager, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for Helpful Holidays’ continued support, £10,581.28 is an incredible amount to have raised in a year and we would like to thank all of their customers who donated when making their booking.

‘We appreciate that Helpful Holidays annually rotate their choice of charity of the year and we look forward to receiving their support again in the future.’