Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance lifts off with its biggest ever appeal to relocate airbase

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has launched its biggest ever fundraising appeal to raise £3.6 million for its airbase and charity headquarters.

The charity has already raised the £9 million needed to acquire the building.

But it needs a further £3.6 million to convert and equip the site into a purpose-built hangar and office, including the additions of a helipad and hangar doors.

The new appeal is called Operation Airbase – Save Time, Save Lives.

The life-saving charity is moving from its current airbase in Thruxton, Andover, where it has been based since 2007, to a site near Southampton Airport.

The move will mean the highly experienced doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of take-off.

That’s in contrast to the current time of 20 minutes or more for some.

70 per cent of the charity’s call-outs are to the south of the region: Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, a considerable distance from the current airbase which sits on the north-western edge of Hampshire.

Reduced excess flying and driving time to and from Thruxton will drastically improve response times and minimise flying and travel time.

It will allow teams to be restocked, refuelled and ready to respond to more emergencies than ever before.

The relocation of both the operational and administrative arms of the service will bring the two teams under on one roof, cutting down the costs of leasing two separate buildings.

Richard Corbett, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance CEO, said: “When seriously ill and injured patients need urgent critical care, our doctors, dispatchers, pilots and paramedics are ready to provide life-saving treatment.

“They can only do so thanks to the kindness and generosity we are shown every single day by our remarkable supporters.

“This ambitious move is only possible because we know we have their unwavering backing.”

Dr Simon Hughes. Picture: Tim Wallace.

Dr Simon Hughes, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Clinical Lead, said: “This move will be the single biggest leap forward in our 17-year history.

“It has long been a dream of our team to operate from a location that is truly central within our community.

“From day one in our new home, response times will be faster, patient outcomes will be better – and lives will be saved that would otherwise have been lost.”

The charity is seeking businesses, clubs and groups wanting to partner and help save lives in the region.

• www.hiowaa.org