News : North Devon Insight

There was a special announcement at the official opening of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s ‘Steve Ford Airbase’ on Thursday 21st January.

After cutting the ribbon to open the airbase, BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers announced the radio station had chosen the charity as their 2010 charity of the year.

The BBC Radio Devon ‘Air Ambulance Appeal’ aims not only to raise the profile of the charity funded emergency service, but also to encourage and engage its listeners to help raise in the region of £600,000 in order to facilitate the ordering of a new EC135, to replace the current leased aircraft.

Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s Chief Executive Heléna Holt says ‘We are delighted to have been chosen by BBC Radio Devon as their charity of the year and very much looking forward to working with them over the next 12 months.’

She added ‘This campaign is extremely important to us. It not only enables us to communicate with a large number of our supporters and future supporters at the same time, but  also further raise the profile of what the service does, and what the charity does in order to raise the £4 million needed annually, together with the people behind the scenes.’

‘We already own one of our helicopters, which went into operation in October 2008. We have proved since this time that it saves the charity money – saving in excess of £10,000 each month. This means every single £1 donated by the community, businesses and friends of Devon goes that bit further. It was logical to look forward and do the same with the other aircraft, which is leased, and comes up for renewal in 2013.

‘This dream has become reality thanks to the pledged support of BBC Radio Devon and their listeners. We hope to place an order for the new aircraft at the end of 2010. The county can then watch with pride, as the story continues to unfold.’

Sarah Solftley, Assistant Editor of BBC Radio Devon said: "We know we have taken on a huge challenge in setting a target of raising £600,000 towards the cost of buying a new helicopter, but we know that our staff and our audience are up to the challenge.

As well as raising money throughout the year, we also want make our audiences better aware of the service, what it provides and to regularly feature the compelling human stories behind each callout, each volunteer, each fundraiser, each event.

We will also be asking our audience to be a part of the appeal by staging their own fundraising events, and taking part in events we organise."

People who would like to get involved or make a donation to the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal can call 01392 466666 or go to bbc.co.uk/devon

Pictured left to right are: Clinical Support Officer Nigel  Hare, Pilot Rob Mackie, paramedic Eddie Bunday, BBC Radio Devon presenter Judi Spiers, pilot Pete Martin and Clinical Support Officer Paul Shaddick.
 Photo taken by: Pete Stephens, PJS Photography, www.peterstephens.co.uk