Perkins drives the East Anglian Air Ambulance forward

Peterborough-based Perkins Engines Company Limited has extended its sponsorship of the van used by the East Anglian Air Ambulance’s (EAAA) fundraising manager for the region, Chris Donaldson, for a second year.

For Chris and his fundraising team, access to a van is essential as they regularly drive to fundraising events right across the region and often have to deliver promotional merchandise and materials. 

Perkins’ support provides a major boost to the EAAA as its staff and volunteers work even harder to raise funds to keep the vital air ambulance service flying.
 
Typically, fundraisers for the EAAA, which provides a 365 day air ambulance service across East Anglia, notch up around 20,000 miles a year travelling to and from the many engagements, talks and events held in support of the charity. 

Commenting on Perkins’ support, Annette Johnson, chairman of Perkins’ sponsorship, said:  “Perkins is proud to support the EAAA because it’s important to us to help charities which help local people.  We know that our support makes a very real contribution to the continuation of a service which we believe to be vital for everyone in our community.”

Chris Donaldson commented:  “During a difficult economic time, Perkins’ support is even more welcome.  We’re so grateful for the company’s generosity and commitment to the air ambulance service.”

The EAAA operates a 365 day life-saving service across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.  It costs £3 million per year to keep the charity’s two air ambulances flying, to provide the required ancilliary operations and to supply the advanced clinical equipment they carry.

In addition to Anglia One, the charity operates Anglia Two, which covers Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  Anglia Two carries a doctor from emergency medical charity Magpas.  The EAAA also maintains a back up aircraft.  

For more information about the East Anglian Air Ambulance, contact the charity on 0845 066 9999 or visit its website at www.eaaa.org.uk.

PICTURE: From left Chris Donaldson receives the keys to his fundraising vehicle from Perkins' sponsorship committee chairman Annette Johnson and committee member Colin Herring.