Postcode Lottery players help raise £750,000 for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance
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PLAYERS of People's Postcode Lottery have helped fund more than 300 time-critical missions for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
SCAA has been supported to the tune of £750,000 thanks to players in recent years, with the latest award of £200,000 coming during lockdown as the charity faced a reduction in income.
An average mission for the life-saving air ambulance costs £2500, which SCAA entirely funded by donations.
David Craig, SCAA's chief executive, said the support of People's Postcode Lottery and its players has proven to be "a lifeline".
"It is support like this which has kept us flying and saving lives throughout these challenging times," Mr Craig said.
"This funding will help save lives and ensure we sustain what has become a vital frontline response service for the people of Scotland.
"We are so grateful that players of People's Postcode Lottery recognise the vital work SCAA does throughout the whole of Scotland and have repeatedly supported our service."
SCAA operates two fast-response EC135 helicopter air ambulances, based at Perth and Aberdeen, which are available to be called to emergencies in every corner of the country through the 999 service, 12 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The support of players of the People's Postcode Lottery has helped sustain the original service and launch the second aircraft at the start of the pandemic.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The service that SCAA provides is crucial to people all over Scotland, and I know that for many of our players it’s a good cause they are passionate about supporting.
"I’m thrilled that player funding will support more life-saving missions this year thanks to the hard work and dedication of the helicopter crews and paramedics.”
SCAA is Scotland's only charity-funded emergency air ambulance service and has proven to be an integral and vital part of the emergency response network since its launch in 2013.
To date, the life-saving crew has responded to almost 3000 time-critical emergencies across Scotland.
