Lottery support for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance tops £1m
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Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have proved they are worth a million to the life-saving service of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
SCAA’s charity-funded operations have been supported by a total of £1,150,000 over the past five years, with funding raised by players of the lottery helping to save and improve thousands of lives throughout Scotland.
The latest award of £200,000 tipped the total over the £1 million mark – a milestone described as “outstanding” by SCAA.
Chief executive David Craig said the support shown by People’s Postcode Lottery players was literally “a lifeline” for those most seriously ill or injured.
He added: “Their generosity has helped ensure SCAA is there whenever and wherever we’re needed.
“Over a million pounds in five years is outstanding and we can’t thank players of People’s Postcode Lottery enough.
"This amazing support has helped SCAA sustain and expand its service and players should be in no doubt that their support is saving lives.”
SCAA operates two fast response EC 135 helicopter air ambulances, based at Aberdeen and Perth, available for tasking through the 999 service to emergencies in every corner of the country – 12 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Marking its 10th anniversary this year, SCAA has responded to around 5400 call outs, taking doctor and paramedic-led teams to the scene of time-critical emergencies and airlifting patients to vital hospital care.
Mr Craig said: “SCAA simply could not fly without support such as we receive from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
“They recognise the value of a charity such as SCAA and the vital work we do.”
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance provides such a vital service to communities across Scotland and the number of lives impacted by the service over the last 10 years is incredible.
"I’m delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery have been able to raise more than £1 million for this life-saving charity.”
SCAA is Scotland’s only charity-funded emergency air ambulance service and has proved an integral and vital part of the country’s emergency response network since launch in 2013.
The charity relies entirely on public donations to fund the service, with more than £50 million being raised during its first 10 years.
Mr Craig added: “Those seriously ill or injured rely on SCAA’s vital pre-hospital emergency response helicopters and crews when they face their darkest moments and we rely on the public to fund those life-saving and life-changing flights.
“On behalf of all those people in need whose lives SCAA has touched, I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their continued support.”
