A fund-raising match involving players from East London Rugby Football Club has helped to raise £1,524 plus £332.86 Gift Aid for London’s Air Ambulance Charity.

The match played at Memorial Park in West Ham was the idea of East London 3rd XV player John Salthouse, the club’s mental health and wellbeing officer.

John said: “All the money raised is making a difference by helping the London Air Ambulance to provide critical care. What the charity receives in terms of Government support is pitiful compared to the value it brings by saving lives. We need to do everything we can to keep our air ambulance flying.”

The game involved a mix of players from East London’s three men’s teams against a side from St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate, City of London, who have a number of players who also turn out for East London.

There was generous support from John’s employers CIS Security Limited who donated a new set of branded London’s Air Ambulance Charity playing shirts for the occasion and which will be the club’s 3rd XV kit next season.

Added John: “I thank all the boys from St Helen’s who made this game happen; all the players who paid to take part; referee Gary Marchant; all those who donated online or purchased raffle tickets on the night of the game; and everyone at CIS who gave so much in sponsorship and support.”