Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) are encouraging people to support their cause this September as part of a national initiative called ‘National Air Ambulance Week’.
The charity provides an air ambulance service for the 2.1m people of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire and parts of Wiltshire.
NAAW is an initiative put together by the Association of Air Ambulances (‘AAA’), the trade body which unites not only Air Ambulance charities from across the country, but also operators and ambulance services. The Association gives a national voice to a local service.
From Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th September 2013, local businesses, schools and community groups are being encouraged to support their local air ambulance by organising a dress down day or by holding a raffle, a coffee morning or a cake sale to raise funds. Fundraising packs are available on request which contain ideas for activities and materials to promote your involvement in the week.
GWAAC has attended 17 incidents in the Bath area in the first six months of 2013. On Easter Monday 2012, Ali Layard, ten, was accidentally knocked off a narrow boat and dragged in to the propeller, sustaining terrible injuries to both his legs. The GWAAC crew quickly responded and were able to land close to the Kennet & Avon Canal despite trees and overhead power cables.
Andrew Layard, Ali’s father said: “The team provided incredible care and support in extremely traumatic circumstances and stabilized Ali enough to safely transport him to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol. There is absolutely no doubt that the actions of the GWAAC crew played a significant part in saving our son’s life and we owe them all a huge debt of gratitude.”
John Christensen, Chief Executive of GWAAC, said “We’d like to remind the people of our region that in order to continue operating, our charity relies on the support of the people that we serve as we receive no Government or National Lottery funding.”
“You never know when you, or your friends or family might need us, and that’s why it’s so important for people to support our cause and to help keep our air ambulance flying.”
For more information about National Air Ambulance Week and to get involved with a fundraising activity, please contact Emma Carter on 0117 9699344, email [email protected] or visit www.gwaac.com
