Northamptonshire-based aerobatic display team, The Blades, has donated over £2,000 to the Hope Centre to support the work of the charity to combat homelessness and help vulnerable people in the area.
The leading team of former Red Arrow pilots, renowned worldwide for flying precision and close-formation aerobatics, welcomed Hope Centre representatives and the Mayor and Mayoress of Northampton to a cheque handover afternoon at the team’s base at Sywell Aerodrome.
For the past decade, The Blades have hosted an annual charity event – The Blades Ball – to raise vital funds for a selection of nominated charities which includes the team’s charity partner the RAF Benevolent Fund, Aerobility, and a local charity chosen by the Blades event committee.
Andy Evans, Blade 1 and Team Leader commented: ‘‘Teaming up with The Hope Centre this year was a clear decision from the outset. We saw the charity’s fundraising efforts last winter and wanted to help continue the wonderful work they do for the local community. We are so proud of the outcome of the Blades Ball, and to date, we have raised over £2million for charity. The team at the Hope Centre has made some very important programmes to help reduce homelessness and poverty in our area and we are delighted to handover a £2000 donation.’’
