HELP Appeal makes £300k donation to get air ambulance helipad up and running in Soton

The HELP Appeal has granted £300,000 towards Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA)’s Operation Airbase appeal – almost half of the total donated so far.

Operation Airbase will see the charity relocate its headquarters to a site near Southampton Airport, ensuring it can reach almost every patient in the region within 10 minutes of take-off.

HIOWAA has now raised £800,000 of its £3.6 million target and is on track to move in by 2026.

Richard Corbett, CEO of the air ambulance, said: “The move to a more central location will not only futureproof our charity, but 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’re incredibly grateful for their continued support.”

The HELP Appeal is the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital helipads and air ambulance base helipads.

It’s previously contributed to helipads at Southampton General Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital on the Isle of Wight, as well as one of HIOWAA’s emergency road vehicles.

Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal, added: “Thanks to our incredible supporters, we’ve 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.”

• hiowaa.org/appeal