Afternoon tea raises lifesaving funds

A Northumberland hospitality business has increased its support for a regional emergency charity after raising thousands of pounds through a year-long fundraising initiative.

The Doxford Group has donated £2000 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) through an ongoing partnership linked to afternoon tea bookings at The Tempus hotel.

The fundraising total, generated through a contribution from every afternoon tea served during 2025, marks the third consecutive year the hotel has supported the charity and represents an increase on the £1530 raised in 2024.

Located near Alnwick at Charlton Hall Estate, The Tempus attracts visitors from across the region and beyond, with guest bookings helping to fund the lifesaving work carried out by GNAAS.

The charity relies heavily on public support and must raise £9.6 million each year to keep its helicopters and critical care teams operating across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.

Following the success of the initiative, The Doxford Group is planning to build on its relationship with GNAAS, with further fundraising activities being explored for 2026 and beyond.

Elain Meenaghan, director of sales at The Doxford Group, said: “Continuing our support for GNAAS was an easy decision. 

“Their crews provide critical care across Northumberland and the wider region, responding to thousands of patients every year in some of the most challenging circumstances.

“As a family-run business, being part of our local community is important to us, and we're always looking for ways to give something back. 

“The fantastic thing about this partnership is that it's our guests who make it possible. 

“Every afternoon tea booked helps contribute towards the vital work GNAAS carries out every day.”

Ben Sisson, corporate relationship manager at GNAAS, added: “We rely heavily on public donations to raise the £9.6 million needed each year to remain operational, so we are extremely grateful for the continued support from The Doxford Group.

“Contributions like this directly support our critical care teams as they respond to some of the most seriously ill and injured patients across the region. 

“It’s partnerships like these that help keep our service running when it matters most.”

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