Donated Portion Proceeds From December Sales

A brewer in the U.K. participated in a fundraising effort for the Cornwall Air Ambulance that has netted some $21,000 for the service.

Sharps Brewery based in Rock, North Cornwall donated five pence from each pint of three different varieties of beer it sold in Cornwall through December 31st to the air ambulance service, and the total raised was nearly $5,000 more than its target for the program, according to the U.K. dining website EatOut.

"A contribution of this size can make a huge difference to the level of support we can provide the Cornwall community, as without government funding we are heavily reliant upon backing from local businesses," said Susie Smith, Fundraising Manager at Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, in a release before the final amount was announced. "It's great to see such an iconic Cornish brand like Sharp's supporting a local charity. While supporting responsible drinking in the area, the promotion is really helping to drive awareness of our organization and the service we provide among local residents."

"We are so proud to be partnering with such a special organization," said Emma Bebbington, General Manager at Sharp's Brewery. "Cornwall Air Ambulance provides a vital service to the residents and visitors of Cornwall who need urgent care, and without it some people in our rural areas may not have the fast access to medical aid they require. Being able to offer support to such an important community service is truly rewarding, and we plan to continue working with Cornwall Air Ambulance in future."

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust's helicopter is one of the busiest in the UK, having attended 642 emergency rescue missions up until 30 November this year. The charity conducts rescue missions for vital and critical patients in the area that need urgent medical care, including those in remote rural areas.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust has confirmed it will lease two new helicopters in December 2014. These aircraft will be equipped with technology to fly in darkness, so a greater number of rescue missions will be able to be completed. During the winter months especially, this will be crucial for rescue missions during peak traffic periods.

FMI: www.sharpsbrewery.co.uk, www.helimed181.co.uk