Derbyshire Air Ambulance charity asks for online support while shops closed due to lockdown

The Air Ambulance Service has already seen its finances hit hard by the impact of COVID-19 and bosses are concerned about the impact the second wave of closures will have on its services.

The organisation operates the Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Warwickshire & Northamptonshire and national Children’s Air Ambulances, which fly an average ten critical care missions every day.

Chief executive Andy Williamson said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on so many including our own lifesaving charity.

"We faced a projected net loss of income of at least £2.2million for April to June and now, worryingly, we are in another lockdown.”

He added: “As a charity, our mission is clear - to continue to provide critical care and lifesaving support to the NHS – but in order to do this we need the support of people within our communities now more than ever before.”

As well as the closure of shops, the charity’s kerbside reuse collection and door-to-door lottery canvassing have been suspended will be for an initial four-week period until December 2 but will remain under review in line with future Government advice.

Andy said: “We want to reopen our shops as soon as we're able to, but our priority is to ensure the safety of our customers and staff.

“The charity desperately needs the income these stores provide and, therefore, we are urging the public to shop with us online or to simply make a donation so we can continue to support the NHS.”

The online shop stocks items of clothing, homeware and toys which have been donated to the charity, as well as official merchandise and new goods such as Christmas cards and gifts.

Find the full range at theairambulanceservice.org.uk/online-shop.

While the high street outlets are closed people are also being asked not to leave donations outside.

The charity’s network of donation banks are still available. Find your nearest one at https://bit.ly/32B0UtV.

The charity is also offering a free postage service which allows people to donate their goods. For further details, visit https://bit.ly/32yRAqF.