Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance launches Mission Possible 2 Appeal to raise £7million for second helicopter

A charity appeal to raise £7million for a second helicopter to reach more patients and save lives is taking flight.

Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) is appealing to supporters in its Mission Possible 2 Appeal to raise the remaining funds needed in its bid for an AW109 GrandNew model — which is scheduled to land at the charity by 2027.

The service currently operates with one helicopter — a yellow AW169 — but doctors, paramedics and pilots, who respond to four missions a day on average, so that there are patients they can’t currently get to.

Karen Jobling, LNAA CEO, said: “We are absolutely delighted to share this incredible news with our supporters.

“The addition of a second helicopter means that we will be able to attend more emergencies, more quickly, and provide critical care to more patients who might not otherwise have access in time.

“This is truly a life-changing development for the communities we are here to serve.”

The charity has secured a spot on the production line in Italy for a new helicopter at a cost of about £7 million.

Karen Jobling added: “Every life we save is a thanks to the people who support LNAA.

“The second helicopter will belong to everyone who has ever donated, fundraised, or supported us in any way.

“It will save many more lives, and we could not achieve this without them.”

Funded by donations, the project has taken flight thanks to initial fundraising efforts which have raised £4 million so far.

The Michael Cornish Charitable Trust has given £1m towards the second helicopter.

Michael Cornish said: “Our charitable trust has existed to help charities who have a tangible, positive impact on communities, including saving lives.

“LNAA does this 365 days of the year, across a vast area, so it fits entirely with our vision.

“We are excited to be part of something that will unquestionably help to save lives.”

The BNA Charitable Incorporated Organisation has also given £1 million towards the appeal.

A spokesperson said: “BNA have been a major contributor over the years and are pleased to have generously donated to this important strengthening of LNAA’s cover of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.”

The Jones 1986 Charitable Trust and Nottingham based company Experian has also made contributions to the project.

A spokesperson said: “The Trust has been a major supporter of the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance over the years because we know how important the charity is in being able to deliver life-saving care on the scene.

“We're pleased that we have been able to make a sizeable donation to help ensure that LNAA can get to more patients across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire”.

The plan for a second helicopter emerged after data gathered by the charity showed there are people in need who the service cannot get to with just one aircraft.

Dr Gareth Davie, medical director, said: “We want to bring our skill and experience to the side of more patients, more quickly, and across a wider area.

“A second aircraft is a game-changer for these patients and for us as we expand what we can do to meet the needs of the communities that we serve.”

To find out more visit: www.ambucopter.org.uk/mission-possible-2-appeal/

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