A critical appeal has been launched by the Great North Air Ambulance Service to help buy a third helicopter.
Demand for its service is growing but the charity said its current aircraft were coming to the end of their economically viable life, due to high maintenance costs and an increasing scarcity of spare parts.
The aircraft have responded to thousands of life-saving missions, but with their years of service coming to a close, the charity said it faced the risk of scaling back their operations unless it launched the ambitious fundraising appeal.
Every year the charity responds to more than 2,000 critically ill or injured people in the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man.
The charity has designed the blueprints for a stronger future, with a new three-helicopter fleet ready to respond and bring more advanced medical care than ever before.
Joe Garcia MBE, chief executive officer at the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “Returning to a three-helicopter fleet means that when one aircraft is undergoing essential maintenance, two more are ready to answer the call.
“It’s the difference between a patient being reached in their moment of need, or not, and could be the difference between life and death.”
The charity needs to raise £2.5 million to secure the deposit for a third aircraft.
It has so far received a significant donation which covers 8% of the required funds and has now launched the appeal Operation SOS: Secure Our Service.
Mr Garcia added: “The public’s support is the foundation of our service. They have fuelled our missions and equipped our crews.
“We would not turn to them with such a significant request unless it was absolutely critical.
“This isn’t for our day-to-day running costs; this is a landmark investment in the future of emergency care for our entire community, and we face a rapidly closing window to make this happen.
“By donating to our appeal, they will be helping us purchase the helicopter that ensures we can reach the next child, parent, or loved one who needs us. It will turn our blueprint into a reality and secure the future of our service. “
To donate to the appeal, visit gnaas.com/fleet
