Two new helicopters to serve the people of Cornwall have been unveiled at a ceremony attended by Victoria Milligan, who's husband and daughter died in a speedboat accident near Padstow.

Mrs Milligan, who raised over £270,000 for the Cornish charity in memory of her late husband Nick and daughter Emily,  and celebrated lyricist Sir Tim Rice were among the special guests in attendance.

The new aircraft – MD902 Explorers – were chosen for their ability to carry more medical equipment, additional expert medical crew, or extra fuel.

On board each helicopter is a Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS), which together with special training for the helicopter crew, means the air ambulance can extend flying to 12 hours per day, 365 days of the year.

The charity estimates this change could enable the air ambulance to fly up to an extra 50 missions each year.

Lady Mary Holborow, chairman of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, said: “I am immensely proud that we are able to provide an even better service to the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

“To be able to fly for longer hours, and for longer distances, with the provision of two helicopters based here in Cornwall is a great achievement for the Trust, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved.”

Victoria Milligan's husband Nick and eight-year-old daughter Emily died after being thrown from their speedboat on the Camel Estuary in May 2013.

The family have since raised over £270,000 for Cornwall Air Ambulance – enough to wholly fund the new NVIS equipment which will allow the lifesaving service to fly after dark for the first time.

To commemorate their unprecedented fundraising efforts an epitaph will be unveiled on the new air ambulance helicopter, reading ‘Nicko and Emily Milligan. Flying over Cornwall. Saving lives together.’

Victoria Milligan said: “It gives me great comfort to think of Nick and Emily flying around Cornwall together saving lives and helping people in trouble.”

The new aircraft mark the start of a new operating agreement with Medical Aviation Services (MAS). MAS operate many other police and medical services.

For the first time, two air ambulance helicopters will be based in Cornwall, with one being operational each day and the other a dedicated backup aircraft.

Henk Schaeken, managing director of Medical Aviation Services, said: “MAS is delighted to have been able to contribute to the innovative new service provided by Cornwall Air Ambulance and we look forward to working alongside the Charity and develop the service even further over the next few years.”

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