We have been overwhelmed by the incredible response from communities across Kent, Surrey and Sussex to the launch of our urgent fundraising appeal to buy our air ambulance helicopter so that we can drive forward with our plans to reach more patients and save more lives.
Incredibly, in just one week, thousands of donors across Kent, Surrey and Sussex have helped us raise over £250K – a quarter of the way to the to the final £1 million that we need to raise to buy the helicopter in the time-limited window of opportunity until the end of May.
Until now we have leased our second air ambulance. But owning, rather than leasing, it will give us far more security over the helicopter which is so fundamental to our lifesaving service and a genuine lifeline for the people of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
David Welch, our Chief Executive, said: “We’ve received an unprecedented response from thousands of people across our communities so far. In just one week, thanks to this incredible support, we have reached over £250K – a quarter of the way to our target £1 million we need to buy our air ambulance.
“We’ve all been particularly touched by the many kind messages we’ve received from people supporting the appeal, including some of our former patients and their families. We’re truly humbled and inspired by the generosity of everyone in our communities and so grateful to everyone who has donated so far to help us to save more lives and keep more families together.
“However, there’s still a long way to go and it’s still a race against time. We need to raise the rest of the £1 million we need before the end of May to buy our air ambulance. Every penny matters. We need your support now more than ever.”
Owning rather than leasing this air ambulance will save us almost half a million pounds a year which will enable us to drive forward with our plans to fly for six more hours every day, meaning we can reach more patients and save even more lives.
Saving this money will also enable the future development of the our ability to fly in more challenging weather conditions as well as our ability to grow our patient and family aftercare service and introduce more community prevention and education initiatives.
As part of the appeal, for the first-time ever, supporters are being given the unique opportunity to have their name on the helicopter.
Anyone donating £100 or more can have their name, name of a friend or family member, team, community group or business, or the name of a loved one in their memory, on the air ambulance – making them a part of every lifesaving mission.
To donate to the our Buy it for Life appeal and get your name on our air ambulance helicopter, please go to aakss.org.uk/helicopter.
STOP PRESS: With schools heading back from Easter holidays next week, and as part of the Buy it for Life appeal, KSS is excited to be launching a new competition for schools and youth groups which will give children across Kent, Surrey and Sussex the chance to name both of our air ambulance helicopters. More details to follow next week!…
