By Isle of Wight ObserverThe Critical Care Teams at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) respond to emergencies across the South, 365 days a year. For them, Christmas day is no exception.
The charity relies on support from the community and local businesses to help raise the £15,000 a day needed to keep the Air Ambulance flying and saving lives.
This Christmas, the charity has come up with a novel way for you to have some fun and raise vital funds.
Hairy 4 HIOWAA begins on the December 1 and supporters are urged to grow a glorious beard or tash for cash.
Individuals are also encouraged to host a Hairy 4 HIOWAA day at school or work and donate £2 to the cause.
Steven North, a former patient of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, has already started growing his beard! Steven was airlifted to University Hospital Southampton on his 38th birthday after he fell 50ft from a bridge in Basingstoke, having been struck by a car.
Steven said: “I had over 20 fractures in my arm, spine, pelvis and legs. I had to undergo 17 operations but, due to the extent of the injuries, I lost my lower right leg.
“It is only thanks to the HIOWAA Critical Care Team that I got to hospital as quickly as I did; they saved my life!
“If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t be here today. Growing a beard to raise money for them means I’ll be helping this vital life-saving service to continue flying and saving lives.
My life changed in an instant and the same could happen to any one of us.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance will be there for you this Christmas. Show your support for them by getting Hairy! Share your photos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag #Hairy4HIOWAA. For more ideas and to donate, visit the Charity website www.hiowaa.org.
