BEXHILL Rotarians unanimously agreed at a special meeting to support Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) Air Ambulance’s campaign to purchase its own helicopter.
The Rotary Club donated £1,000 towards the air ambulance’s goal of raising £1 million.
The major campaign was launched in April this year and because of generous support from donors like the Rotary Club, the Air Ambulance has now reached its target.
Having full ownership of the helicopter will also mean the charity can proceed with plans to fly for six more hours every day so they can help more patients and save more lives.
The air ambulance said purchasing the helicopter will give them greater security and help them save almost half a million pounds a year.
Bexhill Rotary’s President James Slinn, said: “The purchase of the helicopter is the first priority and I am really pleased that Bexhill Rotarians have agreed this donation of £1,000 towards our Rotary District’s fund.
“As the Air Ambulance covers our Rotary District in Sussex and Kent, the Rotary Clubs in the area are looking to raise a substantial sum towards reaching this target.”
The air ambulance responds to more than 3,000 incidents across the three counties every year, and it costs £18.8 million a year to operate.
The Rotary Club is also supporting the purchase of a rapid response vehicle costing £62,000, which is used when helicopters cannot fly.
David Welch, the chief executive of KSS, said: “This amazing achievement has only been made possible by the extraordinary kindness of individuals, businesses, trusts and foundations, schools and community groups, who have so quickly and generously responded to our urgent appeal.
“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by the remarkable response so far and would like to thank everyone for their incredible generosity and inspiring messages of support.
“Every single penny and every single second counts when lives are on the line, so we’re now encouraging our communities to go even further above and beyond our £1 million goal in the final few weeks of our appeal.
“Every extra penny raised will be spent on our lifesaving helicopters which will enable us to reach more patients and save even more lives, keeping more families together.”
The air ambulance is still offering the unique opportunity for individuals, businesses, schools and community groups, to donate £100 or more to have their name, or the name of a loved one in their memory, on its air ambulance helicopter.
This opportunity is available until Friday, June 28 with all funds raised also being spent on its lifesaving helicopters.
To support the air ambulance visit: www.aakss.org.uk
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