BBC Lifeline Appeal - Air Ambulances UK

Watch and support our BBC Lifeline Appeal

We’re thrilled to announce that Air Ambulances UK and the UK’s air ambulance charities were featured in a special BBC Lifeline appeal, presented by the incredible Rav Wilding, on Sunday, 15th September 2024! This was an amazing opportunity to highlight the life-saving work that air ambulance charities do every day.

Hear Riley’s, Jane’s, and David’s inspiring stories down below — ordinary lives saved by extraordinary efforts.

Each mission is made possible by supporters like you!

Together, we save lives!

Presented by Rav Wilding

“I’m thrilled to support Air Ambulances UK in this vital appeal. I’ve had the privilege of seeing the lifesaving work of air ambulance crews up close during my time on Helicopter Heroes, and their level of care never ceases to amaze me. They bring the hospital to patients, delivering advanced care at the scene of accidents and emergencies—something that can mean the difference between life and death. Air ambulance charities across the UK respond to over 126 missions each day, and they rely almost entirely on public donations to keep flying. Your generosity can help ensure that they’re there when the worst happens—just like they were for people like Riley, Jane and David. Together, we can support these incredible crews and help save even more lives. Please become a supporter today and help save lives tomorrow!”

Riley’s Story

Nicolle Chapman from Aberdeenshire feared for her son Riley’s life after he accidentally swallowed a £2 coin last summer. The coin lodged in Riley’s throat, obstructing his breathing. After several failed attempts to help him, Nicolle called 999, and the situation quickly escalated. A crew from the Scottish Ambulance Service arrived but determined that Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) was needed due to the severity of Riley’s condition.

The coin was lodged dangerously in his throat, and any movement could have fully choked him. SCAA paramedics acted swiftly, stabilising Riley and flying him to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where surgeons successfully removed the coin. Nicolle credits SCAA and the helicopter crew with saving her son’s life. Without SCAA’s intervention, Riley might not have survived.

Jane and Anna’s Story

Last November, Jane Cross from Plymouth woke up feeling unwell but dismissed her symptoms. However, while going through her morning routine with her daughter Anna, she suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest.

Anna, who had recently completed a first aid course, performed CPR for 20 minutes before paramedics arrived. Arriving at Jane’s home, Devon Air Ambulance played a critical role, bringing advanced care directly to her. The team stabilised her and restarted her heart using a defibrillator before transferring her to Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital.

Jane was placed in an induced coma after suffering a cardiac arrest, a rare heart attack and SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection). Devon Air Ambulance’s swift intervention was vital in saving Jane’s life and preventing brain damage. After 10 days in hospital, Jane made a miraculous recovery, returning home in time for Christmas. The family remains eternally grateful to the air ambulance crew for their life-saving expertise.

Rachel and David’s Story

David Jenkins was given just 48 hours to live after a devastating car crash in November 2022. Thanks to the swift, lifesaving interventions of the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA), David not only survived but went on to marry his fiancée, Rachel, a year later to the day of the accident.

On a frosty morning, David’s car collided with another near Bishop’s Itchington, Warwickshire. WNAA’s helicopter was dispatched, landing within seven minutes. Upon arrival, the crew immediately recognised the severity of his injuries: a fractured pelvis, ribs, clavicle, arm, vertebrae, a lacerated liver and spleen, a punctured lung, and a traumatic brain injury.

The WNAA team provided advanced care, including administering anaesthesia and blood transfusions, stabilising David at the scene. Their speed and expertise ensured he reached Coventry’s Major Trauma Centre in time for critical surgeries that ultimately saved his life.

Match your donation, thanks to Ageas.

The appeal also benefits from donations being generously matched up to a maximum of £10,000 by Air Ambulances UK corporate partner, Ageas. This means that your donation could have double the impact.

Find out more