Coombe Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire offered a spectacular setting for The Air Ambulance Service’s first Gala Dinner in support of its Big Bases Appeal.
Guests were invited to a black-tie evening of elegance with dinner, drinks and dancing on 14 May to raise essential funds. An auction of exclusive prizes included an officially signed replica helmet from Aramco Formula One Team Driver Lance Stroll; an England Rugby shirt signed by the current Six Nations squad; and a VIP trip to Italy for two people.
In February we launched our Big Bases Appeal – a vital campaign dedicated to securing the future of our lifesaving operations by upgrading and safeguarding our airbases, ensuring crews have the facilities they need to continue delivering the fastest critical care to those who need it most. Our planned new operational airbase will be in Catthorpe, Leicestershire.
Last year, Your Local Air Ambulance responded to 3,460 emergencies across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, launching many of our lifesaving missions from Coventry Airport, which is scheduled to close in the summer of 2026.
Additionally, our National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA), provides a one-of-a-kind dedicated specialist helicopter transfer service that has conveyed more than 1,200 critically ill babies and children with the support of dedicated NHS clinical partner teams to hospitals where they can receive enhanced care. The new airbase will also serve as the launching place of many of the NCAA’s missions.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Peta Wilkinson said: “It was a fabulous evening that brought together people who recognise and value the lifesaving work we do. Every mission we fly, every life we reach and every family we help is made possible by our amazing supporters.
“Our thanks go to the organisations who were kind enough to offer sponsorship and prizes, as well as all those who offered donations or bid on the incredible auction items up for grabs. We receive no government funding, so every penny raised is an investment in the future of the charity and our ability to bring care to those most in need.”
