The HELP Appeal has granted £300,000 towards the relocation of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance airbase and charity headquarters to a site near Southampton Airport.
The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads and air ambulance base helipads.
The charity has previously funded helipads at Southampton General Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital, Isle of Wight, and one of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance emergency road vehicles.
The local air ambulance charity is now one step closer to its target of £3.6 million with a current total of £800,000 and is on track to move into its purpose-built home by 2026.
The charity will utilise 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.
70% of the charity’s call-outs are to the south of the region: Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – a considerable distance from the current airbase which sits on the north-western edge of Hampshire.
The move will mean the highly experienced doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of take-off – 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 futureproof 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 organisations 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 recognise the essential service this air ambulance provides in life-saving 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.
"Together, we can make a meaningful impact in those who need it most."
For more information, visit hiowaa.org/appeal or helpappeal.org.uk
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