Join the mission

Cornwall Air Ambulance is on a mission to save more time and more lives through the New Heli Appeal.

The incredible beauty of Cornwall’s coastline draws millions of people to the Duchy every year, enchanted by its laid-back lifestyle, miles of sandy beaches, and picturesque villages. One thing many of us don’t factor into our holiday, however, is the unfortunate possibility of having a serious accident. But when accidents happen, the quick response of Cornwall Air Ambulance can make all the difference.

“A faster, more powerful, medically advanced helicopter that will save more time and more lives for the next 20 years.”

In the city, you may only ever be a matter of minutes from a hospital emergency department by road; in many parts of Cornwall on the other hand, you could be more than an hour from the nearest major trauma centre. This is what makes the work of the Cornwall Air Ambulance and its crew so important to Cornwall’s visitors. Steve Garvey, who leads the team of Cornwall Air Ambulance paramedics, tells us: “Our first ever mission was more than 30 years ago. Since then, we’ve carried out thousands of missions to seriously sick and injured holidaymakers.” As a charity, Cornwall Air Ambulance relies on outside support to carry on providing the quick response necessary in trauma situations.

The charity’s helicopter routinely bypasses our county’s congested, twisty roads, flying to the aid of seriously sick and injured people in minutes.
Steve continues: “We try to reach everyone who needs us, but sadly there are some people we cannot get to in time due to the limitations of the current aircraft we fly.” This is why the charity has launched the £2.5 million, New Heli Appeal, to bring a next generation of air ambulance helicopter to Cornwall. A faster, more powerful, medically advanced helicopter that will save more time and more lives for the next 20 years.

Steve continues: “By supporting the New Heli Appeal, you will be giving something back to the Cornwall you love. You will also be helping to ensure that my crew will be there for you and your family, should you need us.” None of us want to expect the worst, but unfortunately sometimes the worst does happen; a misread wave or a fall on the coast path could mean you need lifesaving medical care fast from Cornwall Air Ambulance, in which case raising the money needed for a faster, more powerful, medically advanced helicopter is in everyone’s best interests.  

Join the mission

There are many ways you can join the mission to bring a next generation of air ambulance to Cornwall:

• Donate now by visiting www.cornwallairambulancetrust.org/donate, or text HELI20 followed by the amount you would like to give to 70070

• Set up a regular donation by Direct Debit by going to cornwallairambulancetrust.org/donate

• Go to the Cornwall Air Ambulance website and sign up to receive email updates about the New Heli Appeal and wider charity activity, including exclusive events in London