Inspired by the success of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) in its first week of operation, one of the men behind the effort is already looking towards the launch of a second aircraft.
Chairman John Bullough has been delighted by the way the charity has already been taken to the hearts of the country’s public. With £1.5m a year needed to keep the helicopter in the skies, fundraising is a vital component of the charity’s work.
That is proving hugely successful and Mr Bullough believes there is scope for the charity to raise significant funds to drive it forward.
He has been pushing himself through the pain barrier for the vital life-saving service, having just completed the 3 Peaks Challenge to raise funds.
He joined another two SCAA fundraisers to walk the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland Scaffel Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis in just 24 hours.
“I took part in the race alongside James Gray-Cheape (SCAA ambassador for Forfar, Kirriemuir and the Angus Glens) and John Forbes-Leith (SCAA ambassador for Badenoch and Strathspey),” Mr Bullough said.
“We weren’t as prepared as we should have been, so when our energy ran out we just had to grit our teeth and keep plodding on.
“We came in off Ben Nevis with 15 minutes to spare, very tired, rather sore, but utterly delighted.”
The team managed to raise £6,400 for SCAA, which will be put to good use by the charity, which is helping to save lives throughout Scotland from its base at Perth Airport.
The helicopter was launched into the nation’s skies for the first time on Wednesday May 22 and has been much in demand.
“In the first week of operation SCAA launched 14 life-saving missions all over the country,” Mr Bullough said.
“We always knew that the service was needed, but this not only proves the requirement, but shows that actually the need for a charity air ambulance is in fact higher than expected.
This is the people’s helicopter and it is so important that individuals in communities throughout Scotland come together to help fundraising. If we all do a little bit to help, then the hope is that SCAA can look at launching another helicopter in the not-too-distant future.”
To donate, text SCAA £5 to 70070, or visit justgiving/john-bullough.