The owner of a self-catering cottage near Padstow has raised £750 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance after donating a four-night stay. 

Stephen Chidgey offered the prize to stay at Old Barn in Tregonetha, which was part of an online auction held at the charity’s annual golf day at Richmond Golf Club, London. In total, the event raised more than £26,000. 

Stephen is a keen supporter of the helicopter lifesaving service. 

Guests at the Old Barn in Tregonetha are invited to make a donation during their stay and Stephen matches the amount they pledge. 

“For me, the helicopter and its team are a reassuring presence in a Cornwall, where any of us could find ourselves in sudden need of urgent hospital treatment,” he said. 

 “Hundreds of lives are saved every year because the crew can reach people quickly. That’s especially important in a rural community like ours where access by road can be slow and difficult. 

 “It’s so easy for tourism businesses to suggest visitors contribute to a service that keeps them safer as well.  

 “No-one expects to be badly injured but, when an emergency happens, it’s comforting to know Cornwall Air Ambulance is there to help.” 

Stephen prides himself on always going above and beyond for visitors and an impressive list of Visit England and Cornwall Tourism gold awards is testament to his achievements. 

 Karen Hurn, philanthropy manager at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Stephen Chidgey for his kind donation of a stay at the Old Barn in Tregonetha, as part of our London Golf Day online auction. The venue is truly stunning and we have used it for our own Cornwall Air Ambulance events.  

 “The money raised from the auction will go towards helping to keep the helicopter flying and saving lives across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, and every penny raised really does make the difference. Thank you, Stephen, for your continued support.”