250 fundraisers took part in our sixth annual abseil this weekend, braving the descent from Europe’s tallest helipad to help our charity. The event has reached its largest ever fundraising total, with an incredible £118,000 raised to help our team treat an average of five critically injured patients each day.

The event was launched on Thursday morning by comedian and Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis, alongside TV’s Dr Hilary Jones. Hugh was challenged to take on the abseil on ITV’s Lorraine during last year’s event and, true to his word, completed the descent live on air this year.

Our charity’s Physician Response Unit (PRU), delivered in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust and London Ambulance Service, has been nominated for a prestigious HSJ Award. The service has been shortlisted in the category of ‘Improvement in Emergency and Urgent Care’, which recognises and celebrates initiatives to improve patient experience in emergency and urgent care.

Our charity has today welcomed the news that the introduction of major trauma centres has increased the number of patients surviving serious injury by almost a fifth since 2012.

Independent research has shown that across the 27 sites offering specialist expertise to patients with serious injuries, 1656 additional patients have survived. London is home to four major trauma centres, which our charity regularly transfers patients to after providing critical on-scene care; St George’s Hospital, King’s College Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and our base, The Royal London Hospital.

One of our charity’s former patients is undertaking an epic fitness challenge to raise money for our service. Captain Javed Johl, an instructor at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy and former combat medic, will be taking on 24 military personal fitness assessments (PFAs) in 24 hours to demonstrate how far he has come in his recovery.

We are so excited to report that Sainsbury’s stores across the capital have selected London’s Air Ambulance as their Local Charity of the Year. From Balham to Woolwich and from Barnet to Whitechapel, we will be showcasing our charity in lots of the city’s stores. The partnerships, voted for by the public, include a range of support, such as awareness-raising and fundraising in-store, volunteering and donations.

We have released a new video to help tell the stories of some of our former patients.

Please take a moment to watch the video, and share with your family and friends to spread the word about our charity.

To mark the NHS’s 70th Birthday, Olympic Gold Medalist Amy Williams had the opportunity to nominate a lifesaver for The Sun’s ‘Who Cares Wins’ Awards. Having had a near-miss injury during training, the Skeleton champion understood how vital it can be to receive quick medical care in an emergency. Therefore, Amy chose one of our charity’s founders, Dr Alastair Wilson as her nominee to receive the award.

On 27th June, we hosted our Summer Gala, bringing an income of over £120,000 for our life-saving charity. The black tie event, hosted by Victoria Hollins, gave guests the opportunity to wine, dine and learn more about our critical work in the Capital.

Alongside a three-course meal and lively auction, guests were treated to insights from all sides of our charity. A highlight of the evening was a speech from Dr Anne Weaver, who gave guests her perspective on work on the frontline of London’s trauma network in a difficult year for the City.

MPs from across the UK gathered in Parliament on Tuesday for the Association of Air Ambulances annual Parliamentary Reception.

Our charity was represented by medics Dr Anna Dobbie and Chris Doyle, and CEO Jonathan Jenkins at the event, hosted by London MP Jim Fitzpatrick in his role as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Air Ambulances.

We welcomed a large number of London MPs who were able to meet some of our lifesaving crew and thank them for the work they do every day in the capital, treating the most critically injured.

Whether they’re delivering community talks, running our shop or helping at our office, we are lucky to have such a dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers Week, a national celebration of those who give their time, is a wonderful opportunity to recognise our volunteers' invaluable contribution. As Volunteering Coordinator, Sophie is their first point of contact with our charity, and works to recruit, manage and develop our team. She told us more about her work, and how we marked the occasion.

On her role