Tetford pub landlord is on the waggon to raise cash for Air Ambulance

Cheers: Richard Stockdale (left) with Shirley Hargraves and Stuart Kilby behind the bar at the White Hart Inn

There's nothing pub landlord Richard Stockdale likes more than sinking a pint or two with regulars at the White Hart in Tetford.

However, he’s given up his beloved beer for a whole month in a sponsored challenge to raise money for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance.

Richard, who was born in Tetford and has been landlord of his local for the past four years, said: “Going tee-total has been much harder than I thought.

“On average, I drink about four pints a day.

“At the moment I’m more than halfway through the month and this is the longest I’ve gone without alcohol since I was 18.

“We’ve never had so many alcohol-free beverages in stock!

“But, seriously, doing this challenge for such a good cause is helping to concentrate my mind on completing it. I wanted to help a local charity, and I know that they rely on public support to keep the ambucopter flying.

“We all hope we’ll never need critical care but it’s nice to know that the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance is there.”

Richard’s alcohol-free attempt has so far raised more than £700 - thanks to his willpower and the kind support of his customers.

He added: “I think a lot of people are genuinely surprised to see me try to do this and I’ve had several people checking up on me to make sure I complete this ordeal successfully!”

The Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance is non-government funded and relies on the support of local communities and people like Richard taking part in a range of sponsored events and fundraisers.

The ambucopter needs to raise £2.1million annually to keep flying, saving lives and improving outcomes for patients 365 days a year.

It provides a vital service, particularly in rural areas like Tetford and the rest of the Wolds,

On average the air ambulance is called upon for between two and and three missions a day.

Each mission costs the charity approximately £2,100.

○If you’re thinking of raising funds for the air ambulance, visit www.ambucopter.org.uk/fundraise for a ‘fundraising pack’ full of ideas and tips.

○The service is also searching for volunteers for its charity shops. Go to www.ambucopter.org.uk/volunteer.

For details, visit ambucopter.org.uk, follow @LNAACT on Twitter or like facebook.com/ambucoptersssssss