Some-tin special

A COLLECTION tin in a village shop has raised more than £1,000 for charity.

And the money is set to benefit the residents of the Hemingfords because all of the donations will be used to fund Hemingford Magpas community first responders, a team of volunteers trained to help save lives.

Vid Soni, owner of Hemingford Stores where the money was raised, said he was delighted his customers had dug deep into their pockets and were able to give so generously.

Magpas co-ordinator Fran Williams said: "Raising £1,000 from a single tin is amazing and shows just how supportive everyone is in Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots.

"Everyone seems to understand the importance of having a Magpas group covering the two villages and we are very grateful for everything they do."

Magpas has 31 first responder groups operating across the county, and fundraising by the community is crucial as the groups do not receive any Government funding.

The work of the group is vital because in cardiac arrest a patient's chances of survival reduce by 10 per cent with every minute that passes.

Community first responders live locally and can be on the scene within minutes, providing life-saving treatment.

Magpas spokesman Chris Morris said: "I think a lot of people wonder whether their little bit of change can make much of a difference and this proves that it does.

"Whether people are supporting their local community first responder group or the Magpas doctors and paramedics that fly on the air ambulance and police helicopter, donations put into tins really do help save lives across our region."

INFORMATION: Magpas is calling on more shops and businesses to fundraise by having a collection tin. To find out more, phone 01480 371063. The Hemingford community first responders group is also looking for new volunteers - no previous medical experience is necessary as full training is given. Call Fran Williams on 01480 462552.