Christmas fayre supports air ambulance and knife crime charities
A local woman aims to raise £1,000
A Christmas fayre is happening in Frampton-on-Severn today to raise money for Great Western Air Ambulance and Increase The Peace, a local knife crime charity supporting young people.
Organised by a local woman aiming to raise £1,000, the fayre is part of her mission to support the two charities, with Great Western Air Ambulance relying entirely on donations to cover its £300,000 annual costs.
Anya Eames said: "We've got about 20 stall-holders selling crafts. The money that will be raised will be from the Santa's grotto, so we've got Santa coming in to see some kids.
"The Christmas fayre is all to do with fundraising towards the charities that I'm raising money for through the ice skating in Outer Mongolia. Last year I did a similar race across the arctic."
Ice-skating challenge for charity
As part of her fundraising efforts, Ms Eames is preparing for a personal challenge in March next year. Despite a fear of water, she plans to ice-skate 100 miles across a frozen lake in Mongolia, including five days of camping in -30°C.
Describing the undertaking, she admitted being apprehensive but determined:
“I’m terrified of water and lost my hearing learning to swim, but in March I have decided to ice skate across a 100-mile lake in Outer Mongolia. The lake is frozen, but so clear you can see the bottom through the ice.
“What if the ice breaks? What if I fall and really hurt myself? These things are constantly going through my mind.”
She added that she is focusing on fitness training and taking the challenge head-on, and encouraged donations to support her cause:
“I know times are hard, but if you can donate, please do – it’ll really give me the boost I need and confidence.”
Supporting the community
The funds raised from both the Christmas fayre and her skate will go directly to Great Western Air Ambulance and Increase The Peace. Emphasising the importance of these charities, she said:
“Great Western Air Ambulance is a vital service within our county. They have no funding from the council and rely totally on charity donations.
“Increase the peace is a charity close to my heart, supporting and mentoring young people in our community. The work they do is so much more than just a knife crime charity, they give support and mentoring to the kids that need it the most."
Getting involved
Donations can be made via Ms Eames' JustGiving page, with all funds going directly to the two charities.