The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance charity has received a £45,000 donation from The Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons.  

More than 3,500 members of the Provincial Grand Chapter across the two counties raised the sum over a year-long partnership by collections at meetings and fundraising activities.  

The air ambulance was chosen to receive the money by the grand superintendent of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Stephen Allum, after being nominated by charity steward David Wood.

Air ambulance supporter engagement manager Jill McDonagh said: “Each mission we attend costs on average £3,320, meaning this incredibly generous donation from the Freemasons could save the lives of 15 people.”