WE are writing to ask for the help of readers in supporting a fundraising initiative that we are running throughout the month of February called Love Your Air Ambulance month.

We have recently upgraded to a new helicopter, which has meant that the advanced Critical Care service that operates in the region is now carried out in a helicopter that is compatible with the high standard of medical care and interventions that the team provide.

However this has come at a price, and we now need to raise £2m a year to keep our helicopter flying.

We receive no day to day funding from the Government or national lottery, and so rely entirely on the support of the people in the region we cover.

During February we are encouraging local businesses, schools and community groups to “love” their air ambulance by wearing red or pink for a dress down day, by holding a raffle or a heart-themed cake sale.

The air ambulance attends on average one cardiac arrest per day.

With hearts and love normally at the forefront of people’s minds during February as a result of Valentine’s day we thought that this would be the perfect time to remind the 2.1m people of our region that in order to continue operating our charity relies on the support of the people that serve as we receive no Government or National Lottery funding.

You never know when you 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 Love Your Air Ambulance month and to get involved with a fundraising activity, contact Emma Carter on 0303 4444 999 or email emma.carter@gwaac.com To find out more about GWAAC visit www.gwaac.com Thank you in advance for your support.

JOHN CHRISTENSEN Chief Executive