A POPULAR rail attraction near St Newlyn East has announced a partnership with an essential lifesaving charity for 2026.

Lappa Valley has joined forces with Cornwall Air Ambulance which will help promote their work and raise vital funds through a number of initiatives, including a special event on March 14.

(L-R) Lappa Valley’s Ben Harding and Keith Southwell pose for a photo with Cornwall Air Ambulances newest helicopter Duke of Cornwall
(L-R) Lappa Valley’s Ben Harding and Keith Southwell pose for a photo with Cornwall Air Ambulances newest helicopter Duke of Cornwall

Keith Southwell, the owner of Lappa Valley said: “We’re incredibly proud to name Cornwall Air Ambulance as Lappa Valley’s charity partner of the year.

“Their crews are there for our community on the very worst days, delivering lifesaving care when minutes matter and when reaching Cornwall by road simply isn’t fast enough.

“The helicopters are a regular sight flying over East Wheal Rose, sometimes multiple times each day in the Summer and every time I see one, I am thankful are on their way to help someone in real need.

“So many families, from residents to holidaymakers, owe a huge debt to this charity’s rapid response and specialist expertise. Supporting them feels not just important, but essential.”

Cornwall Air Ambulance carries out around 1,000 to 1,200 lifesaving missions every year across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, responding to everything from cardiac arrests to road traffic collisions.

The charity needs to raise more than £8 million annually to keep the service flying, as it receives no regular government or NHS funding for its day-to-day operations. Most of its income comes from public generosity, and without that support the region would lose one of its fastest and most essential emergency medical resources.

Ben Harding, Lappa Valley’s operations director, added: “We are looking forward to handing over Lappa Valley to Cornwall Air Ambulance on March 14, where we’re waiving our admission fee in exchange for visitors making a donation to the charity.

“Their volunteers will be manning our ticket office, and every single penny of the suggested £9 admission will go straight to help them continue their important work.

“Alongside our two railways and indoor and outdoor activities, Cornwall Air Ambulance will also be putting on activities, and you will get the chance to meet their mascot Aircrew Andy too.”