A FISH and chip restaurant chain has raised £4,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Customers at Wetherby Whaler’s five branches across Yorkshire – including York – have donated their loose change in collection tins at the restaurants, and a cheque for the total was handed to Kerry Garner from the YAA and Carrie Cheeseman, who was rescued by the Air Ambulance following an accident in Morley, West Yorkshire, in 2009.

The Wetherby Whaler adopted the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as its chosen charity in 2011 and has raised almost £10,000 for the YAA since.

Phillip Murphy, owner of The Wetherby Whaler, said: “The Yorkshire Air Ambulance does fantastic life-saving work across Yorkshire, so as a Yorkshire-based business, we thought it was only fitting that we show our support. I’d like to say a big thank you to all of our customers who donated their loose change – it’s amazing how a little can add up and go such a long way.”

Kerry, West Yorkshire regional fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “The generosity that we receive from the people and businesses of Yorkshire is the lifeblood of the charity and without this support, we would not be able to provide the service that we are so proud of. We are extremely grateful to the Wetherby Whaler and its customers for the very kind and generous donation.”