4 Mar 2019
Politicians from across London have come together to pledge support for our charity and mark 30 years saving lives by joining us for our 30th Anniversary Reception last week.
The event in Parliament, hosted by Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, gave MPs the opportunity to meet our charity’s operational staff, including doctors, pilots and paramedics, and some of our former patients. The team also performed a practical demonstration of a thoracotomy (open heart surgery), just one of the life-saving procedures we are able to perform on-scene in time-critical situations.
Alongside London’s representatives, we were also joined by Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The Health Secretary took the time to speak to our teams about the impact of our work and some of our innovative new procedures as well as sharing his support for our vital service.
The event forms part of our landmark 30th year, which we are celebrating with the support of HRH The Duke of Cambridge who is Patron of our 30 Years Saving Lives campaign. The campaign aims to highlight our charity’s vital work in delivering life-saving treatment across London, and raise support for the development of new facilities. Providing our service 24/7 for London costs £10 million per year, of which nearly £8 million has to be raised through donations
Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, said:
“With our annual costs at £10 million, and an ambitious vision to save even more lives, we have never been more reliant on the generosity of London. We are so grateful for all the support shown by London’s politicians over the years, and would like to say thank you to everyone who attended this special reception. I urge people to continue to support our charity as we mark 30 Years Saving Lives in the capital. Your help allows us to be there for those who need us most.”
