A WGC-based pharmaceutical giant has named its charity of the year for 2009. Over the next 12 months, staff at Roche, in Shire Park, will raise money for the Herts Air Ambulance, which was launched in November 2008. Describing the vital service, which re

A WGC-based pharmaceutical giant has named its charity of the year for 2009.

Over the next 12 months, staff at Roche, in Shire Park, will raise money for the Herts Air Ambulance, which was launched in November 2008.

Describing the vital service, which receives no Government funding, as a "fantastic cause", Roche corporate affairs manager Dean Capon said: "We are very proud to be supporting the lift-off of the Herts Air Ambulance as we have a shared passion for improving people's health and quality of life with innovative services."

Air ambulance spokeswoman Niki Caborn said she was "delighted" the charity had been picked.

She said: "It means a lot to have this support; not only will it enhance both our profiles, but it will enable us to raise much needed funds for the county's life-saving helicopter."

It costs up to �80,000 a month to operate the air ambulance five days a week.

For more information go to www.hertsairambulance.uk.com