Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance launches Great Big Staycation appeal

Since holiday plans may not be panning out as hoped, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance has come up with a way to banish those holiday blues ­— while helping to save lives.

The Great Big Staycation aims to inspire people to make the most of their immediate surroundings.

Pitch a tent in the garden, take a mini-break in the campervan (on the drive) or transform the home into a hotel ­— then donate the cost of a holiday treat, such as a favourite cocktail or a slap-up meal, to the air ambulance.

At the same time, recreate your favourite holiday image and tag the charity in your social media pics with #GreatBigStaycation.

Fundraising director Jason Cater said: “The impact of covid-19 means we can’t go out to events or raise money in some of the more traditional ways we normally would.

“While this has been a challenging time and we are forecasting a drop in our income, we turned our thinking to the wonderful British summertime and what we could do to inspire people to take advantage of what they have on their doorsteps while we all continue to stay as safe as possible.

“We are really looking forward to seeing your pictures and hope that our supporters across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire will get creative.”

To donate £10 text STAYCATION to 70085 or if you want to donate a different amount go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/GreatBigStaycation.

Go to www.ambucopter.org.uk/greatbigstaycation to download a staycation poster and read top tips for a successful Great Big Staycation.