Staff and residents at a Southampton care home have handed over a generous donation to a life-saving charity following a year of dedicated fundraising efforts.
A Personal Connection Drives Fundraising
Netley Court care home on Victoria Road has proudly presented a cheque for £1,029 to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA). The home selected the air ambulance as its charity of the year for 2025 after the service provided exceptional support to care assistant Louise Shacklady.
The connection was formed last year when Louise's husband, Adam, collapsed at work. The critical care team from the air ambulance attended the scene. Although they were unable to revive him, the aftercare and support provided to Louise and her family made a profound impact during an incredibly difficult time.
Events and Efforts Behind the Total
The impressive sum was raised through a series of community-focused events organised by the Netley Court team. Highlights included a whimsical Mad Hatter's Tea Party and a festive Santa's Grotto, which brought together residents, their families, and the local community for the cause.
Louise Shacklady explained the motivation behind the fundraising drive. "I am so grateful to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for trying to save Adam's life and to the great aftercare we received in the blur of the aftermath," she said.
Funding Vital Aftercare Services
The money will be directed specifically towards the aftercare services operated by the air ambulance charity. These services are run from its new base at Southampton Airport. This support is crucial for families dealing with the trauma of a medical emergency, offering guidance and counselling in the days and weeks following an incident.
"The money raised by the team at Netley Court is being donated in Adam's memory," Louise added. "We are all very proud to support such an amazing charity which makes a huge difference to people's lives."
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance delivers an advanced Critical Care Team to seriously sick and injured people across the region. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is dispatched an average of seven times daily to incidents ranging from road traffic collisions and sporting accidents to sudden collapses.
