FUNDRAISING is about to take off - as a major RAF base lends air support to a charitable cause.

Personnel at RAF Leeming, near Bedale, are aiming to sell at least 1,000 tickets in an anniversary draw for a car to raise funds for St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington.

The competition, for a Vauxhall Viva sourced by family car dealership Sherwoods, is part of a fundraising drive to equip and run a new 10-bed in-patient unit and celebrate 30 years of the hospice.

The officer commanding Base Support Wing, Wing Commander Rich Neasom, said: “Any opportunity for us to help such an amazing cause is good for the hospice, good for the base and good for the RAF.”

St Teresa’s Hospice chief executive Jane Bradshaw added: “RAF Leeming has supported us for many years with many personnel taking the time out to visit us and learn more about the wide range of services we provide the region.

“In celebration of 30 years of St Teresa’s Hospice, for the next 30 days we will all be trying to sell as many tickets as possible with the aim of raising £20,000.”

Sherwoods’ managing director and hospice president Alasdair MacConachie added: “St Teresa’s does an absolutely fantastic job with the unstinting support of the community. The new in-patient unit is incredible and will provide immeasurable relief to patients and their families.”

The public will have the chance to win a Vauxhall Viva and 29 other major prizes, including a robotic lawnmower and bikes. The draw will take place on June 30 at 2pm in Sainsbury’s, Darlington.

Prize draw tickets are available from the hospice and its nine shops in Northallerton, Richmond, Leyburn, Darlington, Barnard Castle and Shildon or visit darlingtonhospice.org.uk