A HAMPSHIRE life-saving air ambulance charity has received a £45,000 boost to help with its crucial work.

The funding for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) came from The Provincial Grand Chapter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons.  

More than 3,500 members group raised the sum over a year-long partnership, through collections at meetings and fundraising activities.  

The life-saving air ambulance charity was selected by the Grand Superintendent of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Stephen Allum after being nominated by charity steward David Wood.

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Jill McDonagh, supporter engagement manager at HIOWAA, said: “Each mission we attend costs on average £3,320, meaning this incredibly generous donation from the Freemasons could save the lives of 15 people in our communities. The support we receive from groups, clubs and individuals is vital to keeping us flying and saving lives, and the Freemasons are at the heart of that.”

Steve Allum, who heads the Province’s Royal Arch Freemasons, added: “We are proud to support Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and their critical work in providing emergency medical services to our local community. Their highly trained professionals and state-of-the-art equipment ensure that patients receive the best possible medical care, and we are honoured to contribute to their cause.”

The cheque was presented to Jill by Steve, Second ProvGPrincipal Chris Davis, DepGSupt Jonathan Stainton-Ellis, Jonathan Bell, third ProvGPrincipal and Dave Wood the Province’s Charity Steward.  

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Doctors, specialist paramedics, pilots and dispatchers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance bring enhanced critical care to the most seriously ill and injured people across the region. As a charity, the service relies entirely on the generosity of the people it serves to keep it flying and saving lives.

The Provincial Grand Chapter has supported several other local and national charities in yearlong partnerships in the past, raising significant sums of money.  

For more information on Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, please visit www.hiowaa.org.