Air ambulance off to a flying start for 2025 as Tesco colleagues raise more than £4,000 in tribute to Robin

More than £4,000 has been raised for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance by staff at Tesco’s Tower Park Extra in memory of a popular colleague.

Robin Dawkins, who was part of the store’s maintenance team, died last August. He was 62.

Working closely with his family, colleagues decided to raise money for the air ambulance as a tribute to Robin through donations, raffles and cake sales.

So far £4,106.53 has been raised.

Bridget, Robin’s wife of 32 years, described her late husband as the kindest and most caring person she had known.

Robin Dawkins

She said: “I’m very grateful to everyone who helped to raise this money for such a wonderful cause.

“Robin would be very proud that this money has been collected in his name.

“He was the kindest and most caring person I know and would go out of his way to help people.

“This fundraising effort is an example of the amazing amount of support since we lost him.

“He’s not just missed by us but by all who knew him.”

In addition to working at Tesco, Robin’s community work included running a charity group called Teen Wheels, where he taught children how to change engines, weld and build cars.

Simon Beale, Manager at the Tower Park Extra store, said: “Robin was such a valued member of staff, always going above and beyond to fix any problem that occurred.

“He’s very much missed by all who knew and worked with him.”

Carla Whitemore, Community Champion at the store, added: “There was never a job too big or small for Robin.

“He would regularly laugh at the things he would get a call about.

“His humour, enthusiasm and selflessness are very much missed by us at the store.”


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