East Anglian Air Ambulance is pleased to announce that G’s Fresh – one of Europe’s leading fresh produce companies – is backing its Cambridge Air Base Appeal. The family-run global fresh produce business, which is based in Barway, Ely, has pledged its support to the charity following the launch of its biggest ever fundraising appeal.
East Anglian Air Ambulance is on a mission to build a new air base before the closure of Cambridge Airport in 2030. The charity has recently been granted planning permission to construct a new purpose-built facility on the outskirts of the village of Fulbourn – but needs to urgently raise £8.2 million to make it happen and is calling on local residents and businesses to come to its rescue.
Without a new Cambridgeshire base, East Anglian Air Ambulance’s emergency care service will be cut in half – leaving the charity operating out of just its Norwich headquarters. This would increase tasking times to patients when they need it most – putting lives at risk.
G’s Fresh, which supplies UK supermarkets with a variety of fresh produce, and which has been a supporter of East Anglian Air Ambulance for the past 25 years, has made a significant contribution to the charity’s Cambridge Air Base Appeal.
Commenting, John Shropshire, Chairman of G’s Fresh, said: “The work of East Anglian Air Ambulance is a vital addition to the emergency services within East Anglia. At G’s Fresh, we operate in a mainly rural location in Cambridgeshire, with many of our colleagues living and working in remote locations that are not always easily accessible to road vehicles. Knowing that emergency aid can be onsite to any major incident very quickly is reassuring and, potentially, a lifesaver. We are pleased to be backing the Cambridge Air Base Appeal – and encourage other local businesses to get on board and do the same.”
Accidents on farmland and in rural areas can be serious, and reaching someone quickly by road isn’t always straightforward. When a call comes in, East Anglian Air Ambulance’s crews are ready to bring advanced treatment, care, equipment and medication straight to the scene – even in the most remote places – so help is never far away.
Conor McGeown, Head of Philanthropy and Capital Appeals at East Anglian Air Ambulance, said: “We provide the very best care when the very worst happens, bringing intensive care directly to the scene of incidents in the fastest time possible. The service we offer across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Suffolk and Norfolk is only possible because of our two bases. Building a new home in Cambridgeshire is vital, ensuring we can get to people quickly. For people in cardiac arrest; for those in serious road accidents; for anyone facing a medical emergency or traumatic injury – we are a lifeline, and we are hugely grateful to the Shropshire family and everyone at G’s Fresh for their continuing support.”
East Anglian Air Ambulance has made it easy for people across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk to support the appeal:
- Text BASE10 or BASE20 to 70480 to donate £10 or £20
- (Texts cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate. Donors will opt in to hear more from the charity; to donate without receiving further information, text BASENOINFO.)
- Call the donation hotline on 03450 669 999 (Monday–Friday, 8.30am–5pm)
- Donate online at eaaa.org.uk/base
- Return a donation or direct debit pledge using appeal envelopes being delivered to households across the region
- Donations of £175 or more will be recognised by adding a supporter’s chosen name to one of the charity’s helicopters.
Supporters can also fundraise by hosting events or taking on challenges – from bake sales and charity balls, to marathons, skydives and other adventurous activities. Schools, businesses, sports clubs and community groups are also being encouraged to make East Anglian Air Ambulance their chosen charity and fundraise together in ways that work for them.
To learn more about how to donate directly to the Cambridge Air Base Appeal, please visit: https://www.eaaa.org.uk/cambridge-air-base-appeal
