A new fundraiser started today to raise money for North West Air Ambulance by cups of tea and cakes. 

"Brew for a Crew" is a new initiative that served hot drinks for donations in the North West Air Ambulance charity shop in Kendal. 

Natalie Huddet, fundraising manager for North West Air Ambulance, said: 

"We thought it was a good fundraising events that not only raises money but also brings people together and builds relationships after the pandemic. As you can see there is a lot of people in the shop today." 

North West Air Ambulance service is not funded by the government or the NHS. 

Instead, it raises money through donations and fundraising campaigns such as Brew for a Crew. 

Each mission costs an average of £3500, and the charity overall needs over £9.5 million to remain operational. 

The Air Ambulance service provides pre-hospital care before airlifting people to hospital, often from remote parts of the Lake District. 

The first-aid that the service gives out often makes the difference to people in distress. 

It is small fundraisers and campaigns such as Brew for a Crew that contribute to the charity remaining operational. 

The charity shop today was full of people enjoying their cups of tea and donating to the service:

"We've only just started this morning but most customers that have come in have also had a cake and a coffee which is lovely" Natalie said.

"We're supposed to be shutting at 12 but I think we'll keep it on a bit longer." 

The Westmorland Gazette:

A range of cakes and biscuits were on offer, including a Victoria Sponge and Digestives

Although the Brew for the Crew event was meant to be a one time campaign, Natalie said that she hoped it would be done annually depending on the success of today. 

The North West Air Ambulance service will be running other events in the South Lakes this summer.

These include a Cross Bay Walk on 3rd July, which will involve people walking across Morecambe Bay from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands. 

They also support people doing the Fred Whitton Challenge and the Great Manchester Run. Spaces on the Great Manchester Run are free with a minimum sponsorship target of £100.