Award-winning New Forest attraction, Paultons Park, has committed to support the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as the charity reaches the halfway point in their Operation Airbase fundraising target. As one of the theme park’s three premium charity partners, the Air Ambulance charity will benefit from fundraising activities at the park and donations from visitors.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is an independent charity that brings an advanced Critical Care Team to the most seriously ill and injured patients in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The charity funds a helicopter and emergency response vehicles that enable highly skilled pre-hospital doctors, pilots and paramedics to quickly attend to emergencies and give patients the best chance of survival and recovery.
James Mancey, deputy managing director at Paultons Park, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to our premium charity partner programme. By working with a handful of charities over a number of years, we’re able to contribute meaningfully to the important work they deliver in our area. Operation Airbase, which would see the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance relocate to Southampton Airport, is one of the current projects that we’re specifically working to help the team achieve.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance recently celebrated its 18th anniversary, during which time it responded to more than 21,000 incidents. The charity provides life-saving services day and night, 365 days a year. Each call out costs an average of £3,500, and it is only thanks to the generosity of donors and fundraisers that the charity is able to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
Paultons Park also supports Lymphoma UK and Young Lives vs Cancer as premium charity partners, as well as sponsoring local sporting teams, donating raffle prizes for local events, and providing venues for charity events. In the last 12 months alone, Paultons Park has raised £50,000 for charitable causes.
James added: “Over the past 42 years, we have eagerly supported local charities and I’m incredibly proud that we have been able to donate needed funds to such incredibly deserving causes from hospitals and research charities, to churches, and conservation projects. Playing an active role in our local community is a key pillar in our Paultons Promise and is our commitment to helping to make the world a better place.”
Keith Wilson, Director of Income and Engagement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to partner with one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the country. We know the team at Paultons Park will give everything to help save and improve lives across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – and we can’t wait to start that journey together.”
Paultons Park raises funds for its charity partners throughout the year through a variety of events, activities, and via guest donations. The park’s upcoming Gardens Open Evening in September will see 100% of every ticket sale be split equally between the charity partners.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance regularly visits the park with its helicopter simulator, offering families the chance to step into the shoes of a pilot. The charity is next at Paultons Park on Tuesday 19th August. For more information on the charitable causes supported by Paultons Park visit paultonspark.co.uk/info/our-community
