A whopping £16,000 was raised in the first week of Cornwall Air Ambulance’s £2.5m New Heli Appeal, ensuring the two-year campaign got off to a flying start.

A flurry of donations were made online and by telephone as soon as news broke of the charity’s plans to bring a next generation AW169 air ambulance helicopter to Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly by April 2020.

And the donations kept on coming throughout the week as people joined the mission to buy a medically advanced air ambulance helicopter that will help save more time and more lives for the next 20 years.

The charity’s Appeal Manager Amy Richards said: “It has been a fantastic start to the New Heli Appeal thanks to the generosity of all those people who have donated already. Our phones have been busy with people calling to pledge money and we’re receiving lots of donations of all sizes by post and online.

“However, we still have a long way to go to raise £2.5m by April 2020, which is why we need everyone to join our most important mission yet. There are so many ways you can support the New Heli Appeal, whether that is making a donation, or perhaps hosting a fundraising event at school, work or in your community. Together we can raise the money to buy the next generation air ambulance that Cornwall deserves.”

The first donation to the New Heli Appeal came from businesswoman Jackie Stanley, Director of Padstow-based Jackie Stanley Estate Agents and a member of the New Heli Appeal board.

She generously gave £5,000 during the fundraising campaign’s launch, which took place at Cornwall Air Ambulance’s headquarters near Newquay. The event was was attended by 150 people and saw an AW169 helicopter flown in especially for the day.

Jackie said: “I am supporting the New Heli Appeal as I believe a next generation helicopter will make an immeasurable difference to the lives of people who live in and visit our beautiful county. I am proud to do what I can to support a charity that anyone of us could need at any time and which offers such a vital service to our community.

“I know the pride I will feel when the new helicopter takes off on its maiden mission in April 2020, knowing that I helped make it possible. I urge you to join me in helping bring this new helicopter to Cornwall.”

There are a variety of ways to support the New Heli Appeal, including:

• One off donation by text, post or online: Every little helps and you can make a one-off donation by telephoning 01637 889926, visiting cornwallairambulancetrust.org, sending a cheque by post to Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, Trevithick Downs Newquay, TR8 4DY, or by texting HELI20 to 70070 followed by the amount you would like to donate.

• Make a regular donation: Donations by Direct Debit will provide vital ongoing support.

• Host a fundraising event: Have fun hosting your own event and get tips and fundraising materials by calling the team on 01637 889926.

• Challenge event: Take part in an inspirational challenge event at home and abroad such as the UK Three Peak’s Challenge.

• School fundraising: Host a fun event with your classmates.

• Become an appeal advocate: Spread the word and help inspire support for the New Heli Appeal.

• Charity shops: Support the appeal by donating or purchasing items from one of the Cornwall Air Ambulance shops throughout the county.

To find out more visit cornwallairambulancetrust.org/appeal or call a member of the charity’s fundraising team on 01637 889926.