Donors step forward to help air medics

10:40pm Tuesday 8th July 2008

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DONORS have been digging deep to ensure a life-saving air ambulance service continues flying after fears over rising fuel costs.

County Air Ambulance which covers Worcestershire has received numerous offers of financial help after announcing the charity faced a 60 per cent hike in jet fuel bills.

The air ambulance which also serves Gloucestershire, the Midlands and the Welsh borders currently has a fixed price deal of £104 per hour but this runs out in October, when a rise in prices is almost certain.

In June, there were warnings from charity chiefs the jump in bills could be as high as £60 - a hike of up to £130,000 in total fuel costs - putting extra financial strain on the service’s operations.

Now generous donors including businesses, organisations and members of the public have stepped in to help boost the amount of cash raised in June to £550,000, about £70,000 more than May’s fund-raising total.

Steve Parry, air ambulance spokesman, said: "The fuel issue represents a serious problem for the charity.

“Thankfully the generosity shown by the public and local businesses at this time is very encouraging”.

The service must raise £5.6million each year to keep its three helicopters in the air but receives neither lottery of Government cash making it reliant upon donations and corporate sponsorship.

To offer support and find out more about the charity call 01384 241133 or log on to countyairambulance.com