Thatcham’s SA-ZIM Rugby World Cup raffle raises money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance

No matter the Rugby World Cup results, many customers of SA-ZIM (South Africa Zimbabwe) in Thatcham were winners after the shop held its sports-themed raffle.

The South African store in the High Street put many exciting items up for grabs in exchange for £1 to Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Its prizes ranged from a rugby ball and shirt to biltong – making £50 for the air ambulance.

Steven Nailer – a Thatcham-born man, who spent 43 years in South Africa – said the raffle has been getting customers coming into the store and having conversations.

“It was all about making somebody quite happy,” he said.

“We made £50.

“The previous owner of the shop is a part of the Hampshire Air Ambulance as a paramedic.

“We are in the Thames Valley so we raised money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.”

Mr Nailer, who has had the store since March, added: “I came back to the UK nine-and-a-half years ago now.

“I went into this with open eyes, we have a laugh in this shop and we have got banter.”