Help heroes keep airborne - Air Ambulance UK fundraiser kicks off

Air Ambulance UK are gearing up for their annual fundraising week to raise awareness of the work of the 21 air ambulance charities across the UK – with many callouts assisting stricken motorcyclists.

This year’s theme for the week, which runs from September 4-10, is: ‘We can’t save lives without you’ referencing the huge amounts of cash the charities need to operate.

Emma Carter, Head of Income Generation at Air Ambulances UK, said: “A common misconception is that air ambulance charities are funded in the same way as other emergency services, but they are reliant on the generosity of their local communities for funding, which dates back  to the first air ambulance charity set up in Cornwall in 1987.”

People can get involved from the very simple act of sharing the key messages and campaign on social media through to fundraising for a local air ambulance charity.

Another key aspect to this year’s campaign is to shatter some of the misinformation that surrounds the charities and the medical incidents they attend.

“Unfortunately no-one ever expects to need an air ambulance,” explains Emma, “but they are then when the unthinkable happens  from traumatic injuries caused by falls from heights, DIY injuries, and road traffic collisions including motorcyclists to medical emergencies.”

Each call out costs just under £4000, almost all of which is funded by donations. Visit the Air Ambulances UK website to help.