GNAAS Launches £2.5m Appeal For New Helicopter

The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has launched an urgent appeal to raise £2.5 million for a new helicopter as demand for its life-saving missions continues to grow.

The charity, which helps transport critically ill or injured patients from the Isle of Man to specialist hospitals in the UK when the island’s usual Air Ambulance can’t, has supported 71 Manx patients in the last three years.

Each flight is crewed by a consultant doctor and specialist paramedic, but the service’s iconic green and yellow aircraft are now nearing the end of their working lives due to rising maintenance costs.

Chief executive Joe Garcia MBE said: ‘Returning to a three-helicopter fleet means that when one aircraft is undergoing essential maintenance, two more are ready to answer the call.

‘It’s the difference between a patient being reached in their moment of need, or not, and could be the difference between life and death.’

GNAAS has already received a donation covering 8% of its target but has now launched Operation SOS: Secure Our Service to raise the rest.

‘This isn’t for our day-to-day running costs,’ Mr Garcia added. ‘This is a landmark investment in the future of emergency care. By donating, people will be helping us reach the next child, parent or loved one who needs us.’

Just last week, International Financial Group Limited (IFGL) became GNAAS’s first Isle of Man corporate sponsor, donating £10,000 to support its work.

To donate to the appeal, visit: gnaas.com/fleet