WORTHING-based Southern Water has reached its fundraising target just one year into a partnership with a popular charity.

Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust was chosen as Southern Water’s Charity Partner for two years.

The water company’s employees, contractors, volunteers and their families have helped to raise thousands of pounds and reach the final fundraising goal of £100,000.

Each time the air ambulance is called to someone in need it costs about £2,500 so the amazing sum raised will potentially save 40 lives.

From running marathons and raft racing on Bewl reservoir, to clay pigeon matches and wearing festive attire, Southern Water’s employees have truly put the fun into fundraising!

Southern Water also supports the charity through its company Hazard Spotting scheme. The company donates £2 for every potential or actual hazard reported on its sites and the scheme is a major contributor to health and safety as well as a valuable fundraising initiative.

The company also offers four annual regional grants and charities from the Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are supported to deliver a specific project within 12 months.

Each charity supported by Southern Water is selected by the company’s employees who support the projects though volunteering and fundraising.

Julie Clare, head of corporate relations at Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, said: “Southern Water has been a fantastic supporter of our service for many years and we are incredibly grateful for their amazing fundraising efforts.

“Our crews are called out in excess of 2,000 times each year, which underlines how truly vital corporate support is to us.”

Beverley Thompson, community campaigns and engagement manager at Southern Water, said: “With almost another year to run on our partnership with the charity, we hope to find new ways to inspire our employees to raise even more money for this amazing charity.

“We are incredibly proud of our achievements so far!

“This vital service helps people across our region and provides life-saving care when it is most needed.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our support for such an incredible charity in 2018.”

The Air Ambulance Trust is a charity which provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for patients in the region who have suffered trauma or serious medical emergencies.

It costs over £6.5million each year to continue the vital work and it relies almost entirely on donations and fundraising.