Sussex Air Ambulance gets Wealden support
The creation of a dedicated Sussex Air Ambulance Service is to be the Wealden District Council Chairman’s nominated charity.
“In an increasingly congested county with very busy roads, a dedicated air ambulance service is vital to ensure that lives are not needlessly lost,” said Councillor John Vincent, Wealden’s District Council’s new chairman.
“This week Council Vice chairman, Councillor Mrs Pat Kennedy and myself visited Kent Air Ambulance’s headquarters at Marden in Kent. We were immensely impressed with the organisation and dedication of the team.
“But the Charity Commission rules say that funds raised for Kent cannot be used to subsidise a service in East and West Sussex. That is why it is so important to raise money for the new Sussex Air Ambulance Appeal, which is looking to start providing lifesaving cover to the county in September. This will only happen if the Appeal raises £50,000 by then.
“Hopefully by March 2006, enough money will have been raised to place an order for a dedicated Sussex helicopter, which will operate from near Gatwick.”
As the nominated Chairman’s charity there will be a number of opportunities to contribute to the Sussex Air Ambulance appeal over the Council year, including the Chairman’s Reception in November. And this year, Vice Chairman Councillor Mrs Pat Kennedy has volunteered to undergo a gruelling ten day hike in the Andes to try to raise over £5,000 for the cause.
Kent Air Ambulance announced plans to seek funding in order to expand into Sussex earlier this month. Once operational, the air ambulance will rely entirely on charitable donations for support.
Last year’s nominated Chairman’s charity was the Friends of East Sussex Hospices.
