AFTER experiencing first hand the crucial life-saving service the air ambulance gives, one man from Ipswich decided he wanted to give something back.Sandy Sutherland from Kesgrave suffered a heart attack while on the golf course at Stoke by Nayland two years ago.

AFTER experiencing first hand the crucial life-saving service the air ambulance gives, one man from Ipswich decided he wanted to give something back.

Sandy Sutherland from Kesgrave suffered a heart attack while on the golf course at Stoke by Nayland two years ago.

Had it not been for the quick response of The East Anglian Air Ambulance in air lifting him to Colchester General hospital he may not be here today.

And to say thank-you, Mr Sutherland organised a fundraising evening on Saturday, March 28 at Kesgrave Social Club.

About 300 people packed out the hall to lend their support and in total an impressive �3,128 was raised for the worthy cause.

“It was a wonderful evening, a fantastic night,” Mr Sutherland said. “It is amazing to me something so important has to be supported by charity and donations.

“It should be government funded, it saves lives everyday of the week and it is not a cheap service to run, and get them up in the air.

“I just hope someday someone makes enough noise to make the government sit up and take notice.”

The headline act of the evening was Mr Sutherland's own band The Martells, and also entertaining the crowds were local band Cool Remedy. BBC Radio Suffolk DJ Stephen Foster compered the event.

Mr Sutherland said it had been a real success and they have already booked to repeat the event next year.

“It just enabled us to make a lot of money, it was so successful we are going to do it again next year, we already have the date booked, March 27 so we hope to see everyone again next year.

“Special thanks must go to all the people who turned up, lent their services, donated money, raffle prizes and to the social club for the use of their premises.”