The Great North Air Ambulance Service needs your help to keep it flying.
Medics responded to over 2,100 incidents across the North, Scotland and Isle of Man in 2023 – an all-time high – and the charity said it was now facing having to dip into its reserves to keep it in the air.
As well as it air ambulances, the charity operates a night-time rapid response vehicle in Cumbria and the North East. Last year, they responded to an additional 745 night time incidents.
The charity currently needs to raise around £8.5 million a year to operate.
David Stockton, chief executive at GNAAS, said: “The frightening truth is that for 2024 we are predicting to run at a deficit. This means we will have to go into our limited reserves just to keep the charity flying this year.
“The life of a charity-funded service can be a tumultuous one, but it usually brings about the most amazing support from the general public.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering enthusiasm of our supporters who dream up amazing challenges to raise funds, or our past patients, who share their experiences so that we can spread our life-saving message, or our loyal volunteers who have donated more than 45,000 minutes of their time in 2023, helping to raise much-needed income and awareness.”
In the aftermath of the pandemic, the charity has regained some stability in fundraising, it said, but was now facing new challenges, including the cost of living crisis.
It has now launched an appeal asking people to support them any way they can so that their team can continue providing their life-saving service and eventually operate 24/7 across the region.
Mr Stockton added: “Looking ahead, we’re preparing ourselves for what could be a tough year. The worst possible scenario is that we can’t afford to be there for those that need us. Your support is more vital than ever: whether it’s a donation, a voluntary hand or just spreading the word about our cause- every bit helps.
“Only with your continued generosity can we keep flying and saving lives across the region.”
To find out more about the appeal and how to support the charity visit gna.as/fund247
