We're celebrating our 18th Birthday

Added on: 26 August 2010

The Devon Air Ambulance Trust celebrates its 18th birthday on 27 August.

Heléna Holt, Chief Executive of Devon Air Ambulance Trust said ‘We are extremely proud to be celebrating our 18th birthday this week.  From small beginnings the service has truly blossomed, year after year.   However we cannot rest on our laurels, and don’t take for granted that the service would not be here, if it were not for the support and continuous fundraising and generosity of the communities, businesses and friends of Devon.’

She added ‘The service knows no boundaries.  We’re independent of Government and National Lottery funding and are there for anyone who should need urgent medical assistance due to accident or illness.’

The charity’s founder Ann Thomas added ‘Before Ceri was killed he said he wanted to make a difference. He said he felt sure it was not impossible for just one person to do something or contribute to doing something about things which needed to be done in the world. Losing his life at just 18 and a half, he would have said – “But I haven’t done anything yet.”

‘It was this sentiment which made me want something to come out of the fact that he had lived, albeit such a short life. It was also the overwhelming fact that an air ambulance would prevent for other families what ours had to go through - the loss of a loved one.  This is why I started the charity in Ceri’s name to provide an air ambulance for Devon. I am immensely proud, and so would he, of the fact that the people of Devon have taken it to their hearts and that it has saved so many lives. He would be proud too, as am I, that his name is on the side of the helicopters.’

Ann is pictured far right of the above picture, at the blessing of the aircraft in July 1992 on Exeter's Cathedral Green.

Devon’s Air Ambulance went into operation on 27 August 1992 flying 5 days a week, due to funding.  In 1997 the service extended to 7 days a week.  The charity is constantly looking at ways to get best value out of the service, which has included the introduction of a second aircraft, based in North Devon, together with an extension of flying times to 10 hours a day, with a staggered start, meaning that 12 hours a day Devon has Air Ambulance cover.

To celebrate the 18th Birthday the charity, as part of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal, will be holding a Teddy Bears Picnic at the Mid Devon Showground on Saturday 28 August from 11am to 3pm.  The event is open to the public and admission is by donation.  There’s lots for all the family including bouncy castle, slide, ball pool and face painting.  There will be a mobile coffee shop, bar and ice creams.

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