13 Dec 2024
On Saturday 9 November, representatives from London’s Air Ambulance Charity joined the London Freemasons in the Lord Mayor’s Show, a historic civic procession that takes place every year through the City of London.
Three of our paramedics, Chris Doyle, Nick Baxter and Lynsey Grant, joined the city-wide parade in a rapid response car, alongside some charity representatives, who were followed by an inflatable London’s Air Ambulance helicopter to help promote the work of London’s Air Ambulance Charity. We’re very grateful to the London Freemasons for providing us with such exposure.
The London Freemasons have been long-standing supporters of our charity. Most recently, they fundraised an incredible £3 million for our Up Against Time appeal – they were the cornerstone supporters of the appeal and raised an astounding amount that played a huge part in ensuring we were able to replace our helicopter fleet. These two new helicopters were launched on 1 October 2024 and have since been serving the 10 million people who visit, live and work in London.
Throughout our charity’s history, the London Freemasons have been there. In 2018, they pledged £2 million to help us launch a second helicopter and in 2021 they funded a new fleet of rapid response vehicles for three years. Their unwavering support has helped our charity develop and innovate throughout the years, ultimately saving more lives in London.
Jonathan Jenkins, London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s CEO, said:
“We as a charity are incredibly thankful to the London Freemasons’ support and dedication to our service".
“We are there for London’s critically injured, 24/7, 365 days a year. But we’re a charity, with 96% of our funding reliant on public support. This means the generosity we receive from organisations like the London Freemasons is genuinely vital to our longevity and our ability to be there for London.
“Thank you for helping us to continue serving London for all these years. Thank you for helping us save lives.”
Paul King from the London Freemasons, said:
“London Freemasons have been proud supporters of London's Air Ambulance Charity for many years. In 2018, we backed the charity’s call for a second helicopter and in 2021 we funded a fleet of rapid response vehicles. When we heard the need to renew the two helicopters by 2024, we knew that our support would have to be more ambitious than ever before.
“For our members across the city to come together as they have has been crucial in ensuring that London's Air Ambulance Charity will continue to be there for London for years to come.
“The London Freemasons will be alongside the team on every flight, with our symbol adorning both of the two new aircraft. I hope all masons take great pride in the role we have played to support this vital service."