The Air Ambulance Service set to land at Althorp Estate

The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) is hosting its much-anticipated Open Day this Saturday 21 August at Northamptonshire’s Althorp Estate.

The charity, which operates the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), and national Children’s Air Ambulances (TCAA), is encouraging the public to join them at the free event and celebrate TAAS.

Originally formed as the Princess Diana National Air Ambulance for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire in 2003, the beautiful setting of the Althorp Estate is the idyllic place for the lifesaving charity’s Open Day – and there are many great things planned.

The public can see the state-of-the-art Warwickshire and Northamptonshire AgustaWestland 109SP helicopter, the Children’s AgustaWestland 169 helicopter, as well as the vital critical care car.

There will be live music and a variety of activities and entertainment throughout the day, numerous stalls, and many food and drinks vendors to choose from–  a fun-filled day for all the family.

Former patient Letitia Hayward from Loddington – who is eternally grateful to the charity after it flew to her aid when she was involved in a side-to-side collision with an oncoming bus – will be telling her own personal account of WNAA this Saturday.

“Without WNAA I may not be here today, so it is really important that we show them our support at their Open Day on Saturday 21 August,” says Letitia.

“The Air Ambulance Service receives no government or national lottery funding for their daily missions, and they rely entirely on donations for each rescue mission.

“We know that the past 18 months or so has been enormously difficult for everyone, but the Air Ambulance Service has continued to work as normal on the frontline – 24/7 – supporting the NHS when it mattered most, and saving more lives,” she adds.

TAAS Community Fundraising Executive Darcy Hodges says:

“The open day is really set to be a great day out where the public, supporters, and former patients can see our fabulous fleet up-close, and learn more about our services.

“There are so many great things happening, from fire-eaters and balloon modellers, to dance acts and meeting the Children’s Air Ambulance club’s official mascot, Blade – we really do encourage people to join us.”

The gates open at 11am on Saturday and close at 4pm, all tickets are free but must be booked here.

*Please note only service dogs are allowed within the Althorp Estate.