Survivors Celebrate Moments that Matter for Air Ambulance

Former patients whose lives have been saved by the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA) joined volunteers and supporters of the charity to celebrate its 10 anniversary at a House of Commons Parliamentary lunch.nnHosted by Heather Wheeler MP (South Derbyshire, Cons), more than 40 people gathered to celebrate the anniversary and shared amazing stories from bravery and survival to the tireless efforts of others to raise vital funds for the lifesaving service that relies solely on public donations and receives no government funding.nnMrs Wheeler MP thanked those present, which also included a clinical care team made up of a doctor and two paramedics, for their continued support for the charity that delivers vital critical care to members of her constituency.nnIn February this year the local air ambulances of Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland (DLRAA), and Warwickshire & Northamptonshire (WNAA) reached the milestone of 30,000 missions between them since launching in 2008 and 2003 respectively. In 2017 alone, DLRAA attended 2,026 missions – all made possible thanks to public donations. Their combined current figures sits at close to 37,000 missions.nnCommenting on the celebration, air ambulance Director of Operations Richard Clayton said: “Donations to the local air ambulance don’t just launch our helicopter into the air, they give someone the chance to reach life’s precious milestones.n“We want to thank everybody who has supported us over the past 10 years. Listening to stories from our patients and supporters really do help us to remember why we launched the lifesaving service a decade ago.”nnn nnTo help with the appeal and to find out more about supporting the local air ambulance, go to wndlrairambulance.org.uk or call 03003 045 999.