BBC Oxford's St John Ambulance appeal

The current vehicle has been in service for 26 years

BBC Oxford is asking the people of Oxfordshire to raise money to buy an emergency vehicle for charity.

The station's 40th Birthday appeal hopes to help St John Ambulance in Oxfordshire replace their 26-year-old 4x4 Land Rover.

To do this the appeal called "Be The Difference" must raise £60,000.

St John Ambulance fundraiser, Anne Byard said: "It's a great way for each of us to contribute to the wellbeing of the community where we live."

Nationally about 150,000 people die each year because of a lack of basic first aid. That is equivalent to the entire population of Oxford.

A key part of this campaign is to help train as many people as possible in basic first aid skills.

The first event we are organising is a record breaking attempt.

We are looking for at least 1000 people to take part in the biggest first aid demonstration ever held.

The money raised will buy a new Ambulance like this used by Avon

It was due to take place at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday 4 December, ahead of the game with Barnet.

But unfortunately because of the snow and cold weather conditions we have decided to delay the event until early 2011.

As a first-aid provider, St John Ambulance does not want people to put themselves at risk negotiating the slippery conditions underfoot and cold winds.

The important thing to remember is that the event will be back, bigger and better, in 2011.

To take part, and to be a record breaker, we ask that you raise a minimum of £10 sponsorship.

You will receive a certificate, a pocket first aid guide, and you will have learnt some priceless first aid skills.

You need to sign up to be part of the event. Visit www.sja.org.uk/oxfordshire , where you can also download a sponsorship form, or call 01865 309 521 during office hours.

Events like this will then continue until April 2012, when we hope to reach our £60,000 target needed to buy the new Ambulance.

St John Ambulance does not receive any money from the government or the NHS and so relies on charitable donations to continue to do its work.

Last year the charities' volunteers in Oxfordshire gave up 17,259 hours of their time helping their local community, this is your chance to give something back.

Other ways to donate

Call 01865 309 521

Make cheques payable to 'St John Ambulance Oxfordshire' and send them to St John House, 40 High St Kidlington OX5 2DN, marking your envelope 'BBC Oxford Birthday Appeal'

Text 'DONATE BIRTHDAY' to 70007. Texts cost £3, with at least £2.40 going directly to the appeal.