On the 19th of September 2024, Bristol Airport announced that £21,000 had been raised by a charity golf day in support of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). The fundraiser saw 80 players enjoy the Kendleshire Golf Course, a raffle, an auction, and a chance to play with professional Joe Harvey. Bristol Airport invited contractors and business associates involved in the new infrastructure expansion project to the event.
GWAAC was founded in 2008 and serves approximately 2.1 million people across a 2,400-square-mile area. The service can reach any destination within this area in 20 minutes, highlighting its importance as a quick response unit to serious incidents. In 2020, the charity raised £4 million, of which only £160,000 came from government grants, meaning the organisation would not run without donations. Over half of the yearly income is spent on operating the EC135 helicopter, which treats 5 critically injured or ill people daily. 2023 saw 1,979 callouts, surpassing the previous busiest year record of 2018 by 92 missions. This increase shows the growing demand for an Air Ambulance service.
The future of the Air Ambulance relies on donations made by supportive people and communities but the ongoing cost-of-living crisis places financial stress on charities such as the GWAAC. Nevertheless, partnerships with organisations like Bristol Airport provide potential long-term solutions and stability for this vital service.
Joe is a 3rd year Zoology student at the University of Bristol who has had a life long passion for aviation. He has a particular interest in commercial flying and hopes to join the British Airways Speedbird Academy when he graduates.