A LIFE-SAVING emergency service reliant on public donations is to benefit from this year’s Kentmere Challenge.

The North West Air Ambulance (NWAA) has been selected by the Rotary Club of Kendal to be the main recipient of the fundraising walk.

Walkers of all abilities and fitness levels are being encouraged to sign up to help the air ambulance, which can be called out to up to 10 emergencies a day during summer.

The event – on Saturday, April 28 – consists of four grades of walk, ranging from five to 20 miles, starting at Staveley Mill Yard.

Zoe Casson, area fundraiser for the NWAA in Cumbria and north Lancashire, said: “Last year we attended more than 1,200 rescues and about a third of them were in Cumbria and north Lancashire so, by taking part in the sponsored walk, people can help to keep our two helicopters flying.

“I am really grateful to the club for choosing to raise monies for the NWAA.”

John Handley, of the Rotary Club of Kendal South Westmorland, said: “I am really pleased that our club has chosen to raise monies for the NWAA and I would love to see 200 people take part.”

The NWAA is the busiest voluntary emergency service in the country.

For more information visit www.kentmerechallenge.co.uk or contact John Handley on 015395-68297.