Family-run Bays Brewery in Paignton is reaching for the skies to help raise much-needed funds for Devon Air Ambulance with the launch of its high-flying charity brew ‘Chopper Ale’. Taking flight in bottles, cask and beer boxes from 22 July 2024, the gorgeous golden ale is distinctly British in character, made using a blend of modern and traditional hops sourced from UK shores.
Bays will be donating 5% of every pint and bottle sold to Devon Air Ambulance, helping to keep its air ambulances flying and fleet of critical care cars responding during the busy season ahead.
The brewery’s latest limited-edition charity brew holds particular significance for its Head Brewer Will Freeland, whose son was assisted by Devon Air Ambulance following an incident in 2019.
Its crew of critical care doctors and paramedics are busier than ever and attended 2,226 missions across Devon in 2023 alone, with this year expected to exceed previous records. With two epic coastlines and acres of rural wilderness, Devon’s geography can make it particularly challenging to get the right emergency treatment to patients when they need it most. Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s two helicopters and four critical care cars play a pivotal role in saving lives in hard-to-reach places by delivering expert critical care to patients wherever they may be.
Bays Brewery Head Brewer, Will Freeland, said: “Having experienced the incredible work of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust firsthand, we are thrilled to be giving something back to an amazing local charity that is particularly close to Bays’ heart. Taking off at the start of what will no doubt be a busy Summer season for its crew, ‘Chopper Ale’ is available to buy on our website, as well as in pubs and bars across Devon, with beer drinkers able to enjoy their pint in the knowledge that they are supporting a brilliant cause with every sip.”
Tracy Owen, Corporate Partnership Manager at Devon Air Ambulance Trust, added: “We are so pleased to be selected by Bays Brewery to be one of their chosen charities this year. The new ‘Chopper Ale’ is sure to be a success and we hope that the people of Devon will support a local Devon brewery and their local air ambulance in making sure it really takes off! It is only due to the kindness and generosity of our supporters and business partners, that we can continue to maintain our life-saving service. Knowing that we were able to help a family member of Bays’ makes this partnership extra special.”
As well as ‘Chopper Ale’, the Paignton-based brewery is supporting a number of other top Devon charities throughout 2024 with its limited-edition ‘charity brews’ concept. Completing the charity line-up in November will be ‘Jingle Ale’, a deep amber ale that will spread some festive cheer with 5% of proceeds supporting Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).
Find out more about Bays Brewery at their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
You can find out more about Devon Air Ambulance at their website.
