The HELP Appeal charity has donated an additional GBP 300K to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA), which will be used to support Operation Airbase, an appeal to build a new base for the HEMS operator at Southampton Airport.
The HELP Appeal is a UK-based charity dedicated to funding hospital helipads and air ambulance base helipads, in addition to other HEMS services, such as the funding of two of HIOWAA’s emergency responses vehicles.
The donation follows on from a previous GBP 300K in September 2024 when Operation Airbase first began. Overall, the appeal has now raised GBP 3 million from public donations, organisations, community groups, trusts, and foundations.
“We have enjoyed working closely with HIOWAA for many years by providing funding for its Critical Care Cars,” said Robert Bertram, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal. “I’m delighted that we are also helping to fund its new air ambulance base, which is a crucial part of the lifesaving infrastructure its communities rely on in their most critical moments. It will help ensure their crews are better positioned to respond quickly to emergencies across the region. We are proud to back such an essential service thanks to our supporters.”
“Months on from the launch of our Operation Airbase appeal and we are still overwhelmed by the reaction from our supporters and members of the public – none more so than by the generous team at the HELP Appeal, whose enormous contributions will impact thousands of lives for many years to come. Our immense gratitude to them for their support,” commented Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO.
Read more about Operation Airbase on page 12 of the October/November issue of RotorHub International.
Photo: HELP Appeal
