Mystery benefactor gifts building to two charities

St John Ambulance and Darwen Brass Band will use the building, which has stood empty since the pandemic

A medical charity’s base is to reopen after an anonymous benefactor bought it and gifted it to them to use for free.

The former St John Ambulance premises in George Street, Darwen, closed after the Covid-19 pandemic because of soaring maintenance costs.

It will also house Darwen Brass Band, also at no cost, for their new home.

Volunteers from both groups are transforming the building – dubbed the Brass and Bandage Station – which has stood empty since the pandemic.

'A lifeline'

Adam Brogden, county president for St John Ambulance, said: “We are absolutely overwhelmed at this generosity.

“Before the pandemic, the Darwen branch of St John Ambulance had more than 30 members, but, sadly, the building was failing and the costs mounting meaning we had to close.

“Thanks to the generosity of a keen supporter of Darwen and the support of Blackburn with Darwen Council, we are now able to use the building again – completely for free, which is just fantastic.

“Our big goal now is to build a thriving unit once again in Darwen.”

With almost 40 members, Darwen Brass Band had also been looking for a new home due to mounting costs.

Its chair, Mandy Pickles, said it was "a lifeline".

“We just can’t believe we’ve been offered this amazing opportunity," she said. “Now our future is bright, we want to extend this to set up a community training band."

She added: “We’re also planning concerts at our new base – with one to raise vital funds to support St John Ambulance.”