Netball tournament funds boosts the Phillips family’s air ambulance appeal

THE parents of Michelle Phillips, alongside Melksham Netball Club, presented a cheque for £1,567 to Wiltshire Air Ambulance, after the money was raised during a charity netball match in January, in memory of Michelle.

This brings John and Sandra Phillips’ running total to £17,245.61. The couple have been fundraising for Wiltshire Air Ambulance since their daughter, Michelle, died in a road traffic accident in 2004.

Members of Melksham Netball Club joined John and Sandra at the Wiltshire Air Ambulance HQ in Devizes on Tuesday 24th April, to present the cheque.

Melksham Netball Club held the charity tournament at Chippenham Dome on Sunday 21st January in memory of Michelle, for what would have been her 40th birthday. Michelle was a keen netball player.

John and Sandra Phillips said, “An amazing day was had by us both, with thanks to Melksham Netball Club – who Michelle played for as Goal Defence – she really loved playing and was quite good too!

“Also, thank you to all who took part as without them it couldn’t have happened. We would also like to say thank you – again for how all at the club has really looked after us and arranged this in Michelle’s memory as it is a really fantastic total. We just cannot thank them all enough and to everyone too who has donated and helped, and those who always have helped us get to the running total of £17,245.61.

“We must also just say thank you to Wiltshire Air Ambulance as we know how busy they are getting ready to move to their new HQ in Semington, but still gave us all their time during our visit.”

Cas Loudon, donor relationship coordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said, “We’re so grateful to Melksham Netball Club and John and Sandra Phillips for choosing our airbase appeal to benefit from the netball tournament, in memory of Michelle Phillips.

“Michelle’s family and friends have raised a phenomenal amount over the years for Wiltshire Air Ambulance, enabling our helicopter and crew to keep flying and saving lives. This is a true testament to how well loved Michelle was by everyone. We would like to thank them so much for their support.”