A black-tie charity ball in Nuthampstead raised £37,500 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT).

The first ever Above and Beyond Ball was held on Saturday, October 12, and was spearheaded by residents Joe and Ronnie Barker.

Ronnie received emergency treatment from EHAAT after a serious accident in November 2021.

Supporters from across the area gathered for an evening of 'elegance, entertainment and fundraising'. 

The Above and Beyond Ball in NuthampsteadThe Above and Beyond Ball in Nuthampstead (Image: Victoria Robeson) Guests paid £75 to attend and sat at tables of 10 under a marquee for a three-course meal. There was also a drinks reception, a disco and a fundraising auction and raffle.

Joe and Ronnie Barker said: "We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity shown by everyone who attended and contributed to the event.

"Having had need of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance in 2021, we felt compelled to give back and ensure this crucial service remains available to others in their moment of need.

"The amount raised will help the charity continue to operate and make a real difference in our rural communities."

EHAAT sends out rapid response teams equipped with advanced pre-hospital medical care to those who need it most.

Money donated from attendees, sponsors and donors will go directly towards EHAAT's lifesaving services - contributing to the ongoing costs of keeping the helicopters flying and helping keep the service free of charge for patients.

The charity receives no direct NHS funding, and relies entirely on the support of communities to provide emergency care to people in need, particularly in rural, hard-to-reach areas.

More information about the charity's work is available at https://ehaat.org/.

Emma Barker, head of income generation at EHAAT, said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and community spirit shown at the Above and Beyond Ball.

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"The £37,500 raised will make a significant impact in helping us continue our lifesaving work.

"We are incredibly grateful to Joe and Ronnie for their efforts in organising such a successful event, and to everyone who supported EHAAT on the night.

"Every donation helps us keep flying and saving lives, and this event has truly gone above and beyond in supporting that mission."