THE woman who helped to co-ordinate local fundraising events for the National Trust’s Wellington Monument project is now taking off with a new challenge with the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance charity.

Emma Jones has joined the DSAA after a wonderful send-off from the Wellington Monument where she has taken up a similar role as fundraising manager.

“I have landed at the head office of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance – and how fantastic is it that this incredible charity is based in Wellington!” said Emma.

“That’s why I wanted to share a little bit of immediate information with Weekly News readers as I feel we should be very proud to have the office based here.

“I am sure you will know that the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is a registered charity which relies on the generosity of the public for support. They receive no direct Government or National Lottery funding and need to raise over £5 million a year, with each air ambulance mission costing approximately £3,000.

“This is your local air ambulance which provides relief from sickness and injury to those in need across the two counties.

“They do this with a critical care team - consisting of a doctor and specialist practitioner - by air and by road for 19 hours every single day of the year.”

The air ambulance is based at Henstridge Airfield on the Dorset/Somerset border and, from there, the team can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes.

More importantly, the helicopter can, if required, then take a patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre in the South West within a further 20 minutes and last year alone, the air ambulance was sent out on more than 2,000 missions.

“What’s more, our patient and family liaison nurses have supported many patients and their families after their incident by answering questions about their pre-hospital care, providing links with patient support services and other charities that are aligned with their conditions, whilst also encouraging peer support links with other similarly injured patients,” said Emma.

“When I started the role, I thought I understood what the charity did, however, I now realise that I am going to be learning forever! I feel emotional and inspired and whilst speaking with one of our fundraising officers, Sam Smith, know that the team also feel this way.”

Sam said: “Even after 14 years of working for the charity, whenever I see the helicopter flying overhead I still get goose bumps, knowing that they are helping to save someone’s life.”

Emma said she was “proud” to now be the charity’s fundraising manager and if anyone was interested in finding out more about the work of the team, get ideas of how to fundraise or would like to read some of the incredibly brave stories from the air ambulance’s patients go to www.dsairambulance.org.uk .

People can contact Emma by phoning 07944 572104 or email [email protected]