GREAT Western Air Ambulance Charity has opened a shop in Whiteladies Road.
Local volunteers and a former patient attended the launch event on the first day of trading. .
Former patient Norma had the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially open the shop. In November 2022, Norma had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Fishponds, Bristol. Since her recovery, she has remained closely connected with the charity, “I’m eternally grateful, I always will, and I intend to live every day like it’s my last.”
GWAAC’s CEO, Anna Perry, emphasised the significance of the charity’s presence in the Clifton community.
“We’re so excited to be right here in the heart of Whiteladies Road. This area is always buzzing, just opposite Redland Park Church. Come on down, find some GWAAC gems, and support your local air ambulance charity.”
Whiteladies Road shop manager Ceara Clark also expressed her enthusiasm:
“We’re thrilled to have opened our Whiteladies shop in Bristol and we’ve already had such a warm welcome from the community. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or browse the shop, come and visit us and say hello!”
• In 2024, 656 people in Bristol needed GWAAC’s help, making up 29% of GWAAC’s total missions.
• 2024 was a record year for call-outs for GWAAC and Bristol was its busiest region with a 22% increase compared to 2023. It was also the first time since 2021 that Bristol saw more call-outs in a year than Gloucestershire.
• With patient numbers rising year on year, money raised by the Whiteladies Road shop will help keep Bristol’s critical care and air ambulance service operational.
•To learn about volunteering, visit the volunteer page on the charity’s website or contact retail volunteer officer, Katie, at Katie.Goolden@gwaac.com0