Air ambulance has raised £860k to kit out new Southampton home – aiming for £1m before Xmas

The team at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) have praised the “truly incredible” efforts of local people in raising money for Operation Airbase.

The appeal, which will fund the charity’s move to a more central location near Southampton Airport, has so far raised £860,000 of its £3.6 million target.

A sizeable chunk came recently from the HELP Appeal, which put £300,000 towards a new helipad at the site.

Now the team are hoping to hit the million-pound milestone in time for Christmas.

“Whether you forgo the office Secret Santa or donate in lieu of buying Christmas cards, we need your help,” said the charity.

“Your donation will help us get one step closer to our new home – meaning we can save time on every mission and save even more lives.”

HIOWAA is currently based at Thruxton, Andover, putting some of its callouts on the Solent and Isle of Wight quite a distance away from its team of volunteer doctors and paramedics.

The move to Southampton would mean the charity can reach almost any patient across the county within 10 minutes of take-off.

It will also put the operational and administrative arms of the organisation under one roof, saving costs.

• hiowaa.org