HELP Appeal donates to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance’s Operation Airbase appeal

The air ambulance charity, based in southern England, is now one step closer to its target of £3.6 million with a current total of £800,000 raised, and is on track to move into its purpose-built home by 2026.

The charity will utilize its reserves to acquire the building but needs a further £2.8 million to convert and equip the site into a purpose-built hangar and office, including the addition of a helipad and hangar doors.

According to the charity, 70% of its callouts are to the south of the region: Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – a considerable distance from the current air base on the northwestern edge of Hampshire. The move will mean the doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of takeoff – in contrast to the current time of 20 minutes or more for some – saving vital minutes in a patient’s care.

Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, said: “The move to a more central location will not only future-proof our charity, but it will dramatically save and improve more lives across the entire region. None of this would be possible without the dedication and generosity of people and organizations such as the HELP Appeal, who have already impacted countless lives across the UK and will continue to do so for years to come. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, added: “Thanks to our incredible supporters, we have made this significant donation because we recognize the essential service this air ambulance provides in lifesaving situations. In emergencies, every moment is crucial, and by supporting their work, we help ensure that urgent medical care is delivered to critically ill patients in the quickest time possible.”

A HELP Appeal-funded helipad recently opened on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.