AVoptics Proud to Support Michal’s Fundraising for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
AVoptics is delighted to support a very special local fundraising initiative led by Michal, who has been raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in memory of his grandfather.
Michal is now close to reaching his fundraising target of £3,500, and we would love to see the community help him get across the finish line.
His story began with something simple: a lifelong love of planes.
Michal has been fascinated by aircraft since he was a little boy, a passion he shared with his beloved grandfather, J. Sadly, his grandfather passed away after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Just before Christmas 2025, while visiting the Christmas Fair in Ilchester, Michal stopped to speak with representatives from the Air Ambulance charity. During the visit, he also met a woman whose life had been saved by the Air Ambulance.
That conversation stayed with him.
Inspired by what he had heard, and wanting to do something meaningful in memory of his grandfather, Michal decided to raise enough money to help give somebody else the chance of having their life saved when they need it most.
“It became a way of helping others and keeping his grandfather’s memory alive”
We spoke with Michal’s mother about where the idea came from and what the fundraising journey has meant to their family.
Where did Michal’s idea to support the Air Ambulance come from?
“Michal has loved planes since he was a little boy, and it was a passion he shared with his grandfather. Just before Christmas 2025, we visited the Christmas Fair in Ilchester, where Michal had the opportunity to speak with the Air Ambulance charity and with a lady whose life had actually been saved by the Air Ambulance.
“Hearing her story really inspired him. After losing his grandfather following his battle with pancreatic cancer, Michal wanted to do something in his memory and help give somebody else the chance of having their life saved.”
What has the fundraising journey been like?
“It has taken around six months of fundraising, and the support we have received from the local community has been incredible. We are especially grateful to J.P., the Community Champion at Tesco in Yeovil, and the wonderful employees there, as well as the community at Ilchester Town Hall for helping us prepare the coffee morning. We would also like to thank everyone who has supported Michal and Hanna’s fundraising through JustGiving. Whether somebody donated a small amount or a large amount, every single pound has made a difference.”
What does the support from the community mean to you?
“It means a great deal. The strength of our community comes from people coming together and supporting one another. We would also like to say a special thank you to AVoptics for the contribution of £1,000 in support of the Air Ambulance and for helping Michal with his fundraising journey.”
For Michal and his family, however, the achievement goes beyond the amount raised.
“Michal is incredibly proud that something he started because of his love of planes and the special bond he had with his grandfather has become a way of helping other people while also keeping his grandfather’s memory alive.”
AVoptics Supporting Our Community
At AVoptics, we believe being part of a community means supporting the people within it.
When we heard Michal’s story and understood the reason behind his fundraising, we were very happy to support his initiative with a £1,000 donation to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
What makes Michal’s effort particularly special is the reason behind it. He has taken the loss of someone very important to him and turned it into something positive that could ultimately help save another person’s life.
We are proud to play a small part in his fundraising journey, and we hope others will help him complete it.
Michal is now close to his £3,500 target, with a current total of £3,229.
If you would like to support Michal and help him reach his goal, donations can be made through his JustGiving fundraising page:
Support Michal’s fundraiser on JustGiving
Every donation counts, regardless of its size.
From everyone at AVoptics: well done, Michal. Keep going. You’re nearly there.
Category: Charity Committee
Published On 5th Oct 2026
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