A Derbyshire farm known as Mr Pumpkin has made a generous donation of £5,171.30 to the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), continuing its remarkable support for the lifesaving charity.
A Unique Fundraising Success Story
The substantial sum was presented to DLRAA volunteer community representatives Richard, Julie, and Grace Fletcher. This year's donation was raised through the farm's now-famous pumpkin picking event, held on Sunday, October 5. Now in its ninth year, the event at Oakfield Farm in Stanley Common offered a full day of family fun, featuring a fairground, a pumpkin trail, and locally produced homemade food and drinks.
The farm's commitment was evident in its staggering horticultural effort. They planted more than 50 different varieties of pumpkin, amounting to a total of 90,000 plants. Visitors could choose from a spectacular array, including orange, white, star-shaped, giant, tiny, warty, striped, and uniquely 'ugly' pumpkins, ensuring the perfect pick for every household this Halloween.
Gratitude and Future Growth
In a statement, Mr Pumpkin expressed heartfelt thanks: "May I take this opportunity to thank all those lovely visitors who have supported us over the season, and hope to see many familiar faces again, in a healthy 2025. We have had generous donations to our partner charity and thank our Mr Pumpkin community and Morrison’s Derby for all their amazing support."
The farm also teased an even bigger event for next year, stating: "Please keep an eye out for our posters next year, we are growing even more pumpkins next year."
A Lifesaving Partnership
Richard Fletcher of the DLRAA responded with delight to the presentation. He revealed the incredible cumulative impact of the partnership: "Since 2017, this event has raised £26,481.47 for the DLRAA, which is absolutely amazing, and thanks to everyone who has supported and given generously to this event over the years."
He emphasised the critical importance of such donations for the service, which was formed in 2008. "When you’re fighting for your life, every second counts. This makes every mission critical," Richard said. The DLRAA's critical care paramedics, trauma doctors, and pilots fly an average of 12 rescue missions every day, responding to medical emergencies, road traffic collisions, sports injuries, and industrial accidents.
The service's rapid response provides the best chance of survival and recovery, but it relies entirely on donations. It costs approximately £2,300 to fund each rescue mission, making community fundraising efforts like Mr Pumpkin's event vital for keeping the helicopters in the air.
