North West Air Ambulance Charity boosts fundraising target by £6M to support lifesaving services

The North West Air Ambulance Charity has announced a significant increase in its annual fundraising target, raising the goal by £6 million to a new total of £18 million for the financial year 2024/2025.

This 50% rise is essential to support North West Air Ambulance Charity’s (NWAA) vital lifesaving operations across the North West, ensuring it can continue to deliver its service, including night-time operations and crucial helicopter upgrades.

The new funding requirement is reflective of the charity’s commitment to maximising the impact the team has on patients.

Dave Briggs, Operations Director at NWAA said:

“Our new target is going to be difficult to achieve but it is vitally important for the charity’s future. Over the last 12 months, we’ve spent nearly £300,000 on fuel alone for our two helicopters based in Manchester.

“Raising the extra funding is essential to deliver our exceptional lifesaving work, without it people wouldn’t get the treatment they need and the very best opportunity at a second chance.”

Some of the improvements to the charity’s operations include plans to expand the blood-on-board service across all helicopters and cars as well as increasing the ‘night-car’ service from two to seven nights a week.

The charity has also had updates to their helicopters, which allow the team to fly more effectively, whilst carrying an extra 115kg of weight. Not only that but they’ve had a bespoke medical interior refitted to improve access and functionality for both the crew and patients.

Dave continued:

“The new fundraising requirement also takes into consideration a new contract with our helicopter provider, alongside rising operational costs, which covers everything from fuel for the helicopters and cars to the leases on our retail charity stores across the five North West regions.

“We receive no funding from the government or the NHS, we appreciate the ongoing support from our donors, volunteers and partners.”

In the last 25 years, NWAA has attended over 45,000 missions, to donate today or find out how you can get involved and support the charity on their website.