TV donation brings Christmas spirit to ransacked Dereham ambulance station
A generous donation from a family electronics shop has helped to restore the Christmas spirit to the ambulance station that was ransacked while paramedics answered emergency 999 calls.
Burglars stole a television set given by grateful patients, as well as breaking into personal lockers, kicking in doors and leaving files strewn across the floor, when they broke into Dereham ambulance station on November 28.
Scott Turner, associate director for clinical services for the East of England Ambulance Service, said: 'When thieves broke in and stole the TV, it was a big blow for all of the staff who use the Dereham station.
'While the TV is not vital to patient care, it certainly helps our staff to relax in any few moments of down- time they get in what can be a very busy and stressful job.'
After hearing about the break-in, members of Dereham and District Round Table decided to replace the TV and asked Blaines in Dereham if they could supply a new set at cost price.
Instead, the business gave the 32-inch set free of charge.
Shop manager Wayne Yallop, who was a Table member at Swaffham, said: 'It was an easy decision to make. The paramedics do an invaluable job for the community and Blaines are part of that community.
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'Blaines has been trading in the area for 30 years and would like to put something back into the community which we serve.'
Father Christmas presented the new television to the ambulance station while on a Round Table tour of the Littlefields Estate.
Club secretary David Westgate said: 'The Dereham and District Round Table sleigh goes past this station every year. If there are any crews there at the time the sleigh goes past, they always come out to see Santa and put some loose change in our collection tins.
'It seemed only right that we should help out these guys and replace their stolen TV.'
Dr Turner thanked Blaines and the Round Table and added: 'The break-in at Dereham was a blow to local staff and this expression of support from the local community has been a real boost to morale.'
