Newsquest London has joined forces with London’s Air Ambulance in its Up Against Time appeal.

Medics from London’s Air Ambulance Charity, which relies on public donations for 89 per cent of its funding, perform life-saving treatment for patients who are critically injured with life-threatening or life-changing injuries.

They carry out procedures such as open chest surgery, blood transfusions, putting patients into induced comas and reinflating collapsed lungs – anywhere in London, 24 hours a day. 

But the charity is now in a race against time to raise £15million by 2024 to replace its fleet of helicopters, as the current helicopters have become increasingly difficult to maintain.

Simon Murfitt, Newsquest London senior editor, said: “I am delighted to launch this campaign with a charity that provides such a vital service.

“Over the course of the coming weeks we will be telling the stories of London residents who owe their lives to the efforts of London’s Air Ambulance Charity paramedics.

“I know these are difficult times for many due to the cost of living, but anything you can give would be greatly appreciated and you can be safe in the knowledge that you are supporting life-saving work.”

London’s Air Ambulance appeal

London’s Air Ambulance medics perform life-saving treatment for patients who are critically injured with life-threatening or life-changing injuries. But the charity is up against time to replace its fleet of helicopters by next year and needs your support. Click here to donate to the appeal.

Jonathan Jenkins, CEO of London’s Air Ambulance Charity, said: “I am thrilled at the news that London’s Air Ambulance Charity has its first official media partner in our Up Against Time campaign.

“The Up Against Time appeal is our charity’s largest-ever fundraising campaign. After many years of fantastic service, our existing helicopter fleet is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain and we need to raise £15 million to replace the two helicopters by autumn 2024.

“It’s not going to be easy. Whilst our red helicopters are well-known figures on the London skyline, many people are still unaware that we are a charity, with almost all of our funding coming in the form of charitable donations from the people of London.

“That’s why we’re so grateful for the support of Newsquest. Proudly rooted in London’s local communities – just like our life-saving service – their support gives us the platform to speak directly to Londoners in every corner of the city.

“Londoners like you.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

“At the heart of everything we do is ensuring that everyone who visits, lives and works in London continues to have access to world-leading medical care when they need it most.

“On the very worst day of your life, our medics can be there within just 11 minutes, bringing the emergency department to the roadside. Only our teams can perform open heart surgery, administer blood transfusions and put patients into an induced coma on scene – providing critically injured people the treatment they need when they haven’t got time to make it to hospital.

“Funding our new fleet of helicopters is the single most effective way to secure the future of this service for the city. I truly believe that we will raise the money we need and that your backing will make a huge contribution towards our success.

“So once again, I’d like to thank Newsquest, and you, the readers, for your support.

“We are proud to call this city home and privileged to serve its people.”