Air ambulance charity launches emergency appeal to stay in the skies

The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) has launched an emergency appeal to keep its lifesaving service funded, following 11 months of significant disruption as a result of the pandemic.

While the charity has continued to support the NHS on the frontline and provide advanced pre-hospital care to patients in need across the region, NWAA has lost an estimated £71,000 each month in revenue since the first national lockdown.

Relying solely on public and corporate support to raise £9.5m year, the amount it takes to remain operational, the pandemic has had a severe impact on the organisation: store closures, cancelled fundraisers and postponed events have seen funds dip significantly.

Former patients are urging people to support the charity, including Jake Cowen, 27, of Oldham.

After suffering a fall whilst window-cleaning in Warrington last year, Jake went into cardiac arrest in front of his dad, suffering a seizure that stopped his heart.

 

 

Due to the severity of his condition, NWAA crews arrived to the scene and worked closely with the North West Ambulance Service to stabilise his condition, treating him on route to Warrington General Hospital in a land ambulance.

Jake’s family believe that without this care, he may not have survived.

Jake commented: “I don’t remember much from the day, but from the impression it’s left on my mum and dad, I was clearly on the brink. We are all so grateful for NWAA and the ambulance service, especially as I’m now fit, well and back working with dad. Without the crew, I might not have survived. I owe them my life, and I urge others to support the charity right now, so that they can be there for those in need.”

Sarah Naismith, Director of Income and Engagement, at the North West Air Ambulance Charity, commented: “Covid-19 has disrupted everyone’s lives, it’s threatened to grind down our friends in the NHS, and it’s placed financial and operational strain on our charity. The crew have continued their lifesaving work every day, supporting the NHS and working side by side with the ambulance service. However, the disruption to our fundraising revenues is significant and we don’t take sharing this news lightly.

“Without funding, we may not be able to continue to make a critical difference to patients like Jake. For 21 years, we have always been blown away by the generosity of our supporters, and we wouldn’t be here without them.

“With our work at greater risk than ever before, any donations will allow us to continue to reach and treat patients in need, and give them the best chance of survival. Help us help people across the North West.”

To donate to the charity, text HELPNWAA5 to 70085 to donate £5*, or visiting www.nwaa.net/emergencyappeal.

*Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and includes opting in to hear more about the charity’s work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text HELPNWAANOINFO5 to 70085. Alternatively, to give more just add the amount you wish to donate after the text code e.g. HELPNWAA10 or HELPNWAANOINFO10 to donate £10.