Medical charity St John Ambulance (SJA) has been gifted a property in Lancashire from which it used to operate, by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
The charity now plans to return to its former base, which had stood empty since the Covid-19 pandemic, alongside the local Darwen Brass Band.
Volunteers from both organisations have been painting the Brass and Bandage Station, which fell into disrepair, so it can reopen on 2 November.
‘Absolutely overwhelmed’
SJA county president Adam Brogden said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed at this generosity.
“Before the pandemic, the Darwen branch of St John Ambulance had more than 30 members but, sadly, the building was failing and the costs mounting meaning we had to close.
“Thanks to the generosity of a keen supporter of Darwen and the wonderful support of the council, we are now able to use the building again – completely for free, which is just fantastic.
He added: “Helping people and caring for the sick is what drives us and our big goal now is to build a thriving unit once again in Darwen – we can’t wait to open our doors.”
With almost 40 members, Darwen Brass Band had also been looking for a new home due to the mounting costs it was also facing.
‘Lifeline’ for brass band
Darwin Brass chair Mandy Pickles said: “What a lifeline this is for us, it will certainly secure and safeguard the future for Darwen Brass, which is just brilliant.
“We put a plea out for new facilities and this opportunity answered the call in its entirety. We just can’t believe we’ve been offered this amazing opportunity – we are extremely grateful and thankful to everyone involved.”
She added: “We’re also planning concerts at our new base – with one in the pipeline to help raise vital funds to support our new amazing friends and roomies, St John Ambulance.”
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