HOSPITAL staff are backing the Yorkshire Air Ambulance by donating spare change from their pay packets as part of a Pennies from Heaven scheme.

Harrogate and District NHS staff who cover Harrogate District Hospital, Ripon Community Hospital and community services have raised almost £2,500 over three years through the donations.

Members of staff donate extra pennies from their pay packets every month with individual staff signing up for the scheme which involves rounding their salary down to the nearest pound, with the extra pennies donated to the charity.

Phillip Marshall, Director of Workforce for the Trust said staff had visited the Ambulance Trust and that had doubled enthusiasm for the Pennies from Heaven scheme. He said: “I’m proud that so many colleagues have signed up to Pennies from Heaven to make a small sacrifice which, when added together, makes a big difference.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to help save lives across Yorkshire and I’m so pleased we are able to support them in this way.”