By Chris Cornford
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) is encouraging Islanders to take an exercise opportunity outdoors next weekend. To raise much-needed funds, by taking on a three, five or 10 mile Miles for Missions walk, will help keep them flying and saving lives.
The charity is fast approaching its 10,000th flight since they first began operations in 2007 and, on January 30 and 31, supporters can step up for their Air Ambulance to help make sure they are there for the next 10,000 emergencies.
As the nation grits its teeth through another national lockdown, the pilots and highly-skilled medical teams of HIOWAA stand ready to support people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and, despite the challenges, the charity’s core mission of delivering an advanced critical care team to seriously ill and injured people will continue.
CEO, Alex Lochrane, said: “Right now, everyone needs something to strive for, and a goal to go for, and I really hope that launching Miles for Missions will encourage our supporters to raise vital funds for us. Approaching 10,000 flights is a tremendous achievement and is testament to the hard work of so many people, day after day. Most importantly, it reminds me of the dedication and generosity we are shown – day after day – by our local communities, none of what we do would be possible without their support.”
Participants can sign up via the HIOWAA website and complete their ‘Miles for Missions’ walk in their local area next weekend. Registration is £10 per person, and anyone who raises over £25 will receive a HIOWAA t-shirt.
This is a virtual event, and all participants are asked to adhere to the latest government guidance.
Isle of Wight Observer