HAMPSHIRE and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance today (July 1) celebrates 14 years of life-saving.

The charity's specialist doctors, paramedics and pilots have responded to more than 700 people in desperate need of critical care this year alone.

In April, it attended its 10,000th patient by air, when a young male who was involved in a road traffic collision near Ringwood, and needed pre-hospital treatment.

HIOWAA Acting CEO, Sherie Williams Ellen, said: “Over the last 14 years, with the backing of our fabulous supporters, we have given everything to provide the very best pre-hospital care to our patients.

"Husband or wife, mum or dad, son or daughter; whoever they are, every patient matters. Thank you to every single person who has donated over the past 14 years; I want every one of you to know what a vital role you have played in saving another life.”

It costs the charity, which receives no government funding, an average of £2,882 every time it is called out.

To make a donation or find out more about the charity visit: hiowaa.org

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