In the most critical of life-or-death moments, when seconds truly do count, the North West Air Ambulance service is ready and committed to saving lives, proving the belief that not all heroes wear capes to be absolutely true.
Bringing advanced, pre-hospital care to some of the region's most critically ill and injured people, the service truly is a lifeline to those who need it. But whilst its helicopters and critical care cars are a crucial lifeline for so many, it relies on the support and generosity of people across the North West in order to stay operational.
From January to December 2024, the charity attended 377 missions in the Merseyside area, covering everything from medical incidents to road traffic accidents.
The North West Air Ambulance Charity isn't NHS or Government funded, relying on more than £18million in public donations each and every year to keep its committed crew in the sky and on the road, and increasingly, the service is seeing more and more kindhearted supporters step up and unleash their own inner-hero to raise these vital funds for the charity in their own, unique ways.
Whether you're an avid cyclist, love to unwind after a long day by going for a run, find craft projects incredibly therapeutic or consider yourself to be the next Mary Berry, there are many ways you can turn your passions, hobbies and challenges into powerful fundraising opportunities.
At just 10 years old, Alfie, from Warrington, cycled an impressive 50 miles with his dad after hearing how the service helped a family friend. Leanne, from Greater Manchester, rallied her colleagues to take on a 'workplace step challenge' - clocking up thousands of steps every day, raising thousands of pounds in the process. And who could forget The Liverpool Bake-Off, a simple office cake sale that turned very competitive, but incredibly effective?
When it comes to fundraising, there's no 'one size fits all' approach. Some think big, taking on adrenaline-fuelled feats like skydives, bungees or abseils, whilst others opt for the creative: sponsored silences, dance-athons, virtual quiz nights, raffles or car boot sales. But what matters most is the kindness behind the act.
In a region brimming with community spirit and camaraderie, the service is so grateful to receive so much ongoing support. So, whether you're a runner, baker, singer, gamer or even someone with a spare couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon, your fundraising, no matter how extravagant or simple, directly fuels lifesaving missions.
Behind every mission is a real person who has been given the best possible chance of survival, and that begins with someone like you, choosing to step up and find fun ways to fundraise for a truly vital charity.
With summer in full swing, there's no better time to get started on your own fundraising mission. Hosting a garden party? Pop a couple of donation tins around. Doing a pub quiz with your friends? Make it for a cause. Hosting a five-a-side footy tournament? Grab some collection buckets for around the pitch.
The great thing about ‘do it yourself’ fundraising is that you’re in control. Set your goal, pick your challenge, and know that every step, every penny, every share on social media brings a vital service closer to another life saved.
Get creative, get ambitious, and get your community involved. Because together, we can save more lives across the North West.
