Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has written a letter of support for Air Ambulance Week which takes place this week (Monday 8 – Sunday 14 September).
The letter, which can be read in full here, recognises the vital work the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities do each day and thanks the crews, fundraisers and volunteers who enable these essential services to exist.
Air Ambulance Week is the only week of the year dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the charities’ life-saving work. This year’s message is “Every Mission Starts With You” and puts the focus on those who make each mission possible – the public.
“Air ambulance charities are dispatched to more than 48,000 missions every year,” said a spokesperson for Air Ambulances UK in a statement sent to Your Horse.
“Horse riding incidents in 2024 were estimated to be over 600 across all air ambulance charities.
“Despite providing an essential, advanced medical service, air ambulance charities are not government funded. Each mission costs on average £4,163 and is almost entirely funded by donations, partnerships and support from local communities.”
Equine rescues
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance came to the rescue of Jo Dunn after she suffered from a rotational fall from her mare Maggie.
“I owe a huge thank you to the Air Ambulance Critical Care Team, and all the NHS staff, for fixing me,” said Jo.
Caroline also required the services of the Air Ambulance when she fell off her Clydesdale, Clive, while out hacking.
Personal contributions
“Every mission starts with someone choosing to support their local air ambulance charity – and that someone could be you,” said Lindsay Boswell, ceo of Air Ambulances UK.
“Whether you’re making a donation, organising a fundraiser or simply telling others about the work air ambulance charities do, your actions help save lives.
“Air Ambulance Week is the perfect time to get involved and be part of something truly lifesaving.”
To show your support for Air Ambulance Week, you can make a one-off donation to Air Ambulances UK or get in direct contact with your local air ambulance charity.
