Statement from CEO Phil Copeland.

Just over three years since launching its appeal, Stoke Air Ambulance is proud to announce that it has agreed terms on its first helicopter, an AW109E Power to be called Jasper.

This achievement marks a huge moment for the charity and for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and surrounding towns, whose incredible generosity and determination have made this possible in what could be record time. The charity has reached this milestone faster than almost any other new air ambulance service in the UK, which is a powerful testament to the loyalty, passion, and community spirit of our supporters particularly in the aftermath of Covid.

From the very start, Stoke Air Ambulance has been a local dream with a lifesaving purpose, to create our very own helicopter emergency medical service built by local people, for local people instead of sharing helicopters with millions of others.

Phil Copeland, Chief Executive Officer of Stoke Air Ambulance, said:

“This is a proud and emotional day for everyone connected to Stoke Air Ambulance. When we launched the appeal, we knew it was a bold ambition, but the people of this area have risen to the challenge in the most extraordinary way.

Every coffee morning, every sponsored run, every pound dropped into a collection bucket has brought us to this moment. This helicopter belongs to our community. It’s a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together for something that will truly make a huge difference to local lives for years to come.”

While securing the AW109E Power is a landmark achievement, Phil says the work is far from over.

“Now begins the next phase, building the infrastructure, recruiting and training the crew, securing and preparing our operational base so that we can get this helicopter into the air as soon as possible. We’ve come so far, now we really need the community to rally behind us to help to finish what we started.”

The charity is encouraging people to get involved in simple but vital ways such as collecting one of our donation tubs for their business from the Stoke Air Ambulance Community Hub Unit 417 in The Potteries Shopping Centre, in the city centre,  organising fundraising events, running marathons, or logging onto  www.stokeairambulance.org where you can make a donation or signup to give regular monthly support.

“It’s the little acts of kindness that make the biggest difference,” added Phil. “Every pound, every conversation, every volunteer hour moves us one step closer to flying. Together, we’ll make sure the people of this area get the emergency help they deserve, centred here in Stoke.”

The AW109E Power will give Stoke Air Ambulance the speed, range, and capability needed to reach patients across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire within minutes, helping to save lives when every second counts.

The charity will now move into its next phase, focusing on operational readiness, crew recruitment and training, and regulatory approvals, ahead of the service’s formal launch.

More announcements will follow over the next few weeks and months in the press and on our Facebook page.

ENDS

Please contact Phil Copeland for further information. Tel: 07896 907252, email [email protected].