PIGLETS will take centre stage at an awareness and fundraising event for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) on Thursday April 9 (2026) at Rumwell Farm Shop.
DSAA representatives will also be onsite from 10am-4pm to chat to customers and Farm Shop team members will be donating £2 each to wear yellow clothing on the day too.
Sophie Mitchell, Partner at Rumwell Farm Shop on the A38 between Taunton and Wellington, explains: “We’re delighted to be welcoming our 2025 and 2026 Charity of the Year, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, back onsite again this spring for a fun and informative event on Thursday, April 9. As it falls during the Easter school holidays, we’re hoping to see plenty of families and children getting involved.
“Visitors will also have the chance to sample some of our Made At Rumwell range, as well as items from other suppliers and we will have some piglets from the farm onsite for everyone to see as well.
“Staff are being asked to wear yellow on the day and each person taking part will donate £2 to wear their yellow non‑uniform items. This could be anything from trousers or a T‑shirt to a jumper or a hat. We’re looking forward to seeing plenty of bright, creative ideas to add to the fun of the day!”
DSAA will be bringing CPR kit and running demonstrations throughout the day and selling various fundraising merchandise.
Sophie continues: “The charity team will be handing out information about the vital work they do and we’ll have collection tins available for anyone who wishes to donate any spare change they might have.
“They will also be selling raffle tickets for the chance to win one of our wonderful Rumwell hampers, filled with some of our much‑loved Made at Rumwell products. Plus, there will be a lucky dip for children, ensuring there’s plenty to do for visitors of all ages.”
DSAA was tasked with nearly 3,000 missions last year, reaching thousands of patients. However, as demand for this critical care service continues to rise, the costs do too.
It recognises that approximately 10% more patients require assistance but can’t be reached due to aircraft unavailability and that also between 2am and 7am, there is no pre-hospital critical care in Dorset and Somerset.
A total of £30 million from the charity’s reserves has been allocated to fund the purchase and fit out of a second helicopter, the redevelopment of DSAA’s operational base and key modernisation projects.
These commitments will also ensure the charity is able to retain financial security while preparing for potential 24-hour operations in the future, given the ongoing additional cost that would entail.
Sophie adds: “Throughout this year, we are giving a donation from the sale of every sherbet lemon and lemon doughnut our customers buy. We are also hosting quizzes for DSAA this year too. Our next Charity Quiz & Supper Evening is on Friday, April 24 and tickets are on sale on our website.”
The Charity Day in aid of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance takes place at Rumwell Farm Shop from 10am-4pm this Thursday, April 9.
Charlotte Humber, Supporter Engagement Officer for Somerset from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, says: “It’s wonderful to have been selected by Rumwell Farm Shop once again as their Charity of the Year. Our partnership with Rumwell Farm Shop represents a great opportunity for us to raise invaluable funds while also generating awareness of the lifesaving work that we do. We’re really looking forward to the event on April 9 – especially seeing those piglets!”
For more information, please call Rumwell Farm Shop on 01823 461599 or visit www.rumwellfarmshop.com.
