Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is to benefit from a £1.5 million donation from the LIBOR fund, announced in today's budget. 

This will help the life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) continue to develop into the future.

An application was submitted to the Chancellor George Osborne after it was announced that LIBOR funds would be open to applications from charitable emergency services.

EHAAT is seeking to develop and enhance its front-line life-saving service as well as secure long term resilience for the future. This donation from the LIBOR fund is well timed as EHAAT is currently undergoing a procurement process for new aircraft.

The monies will go towards building sufficient funds to enable the Charity to acquire new generation aircraft in the future.

The Charity oversees the operation of two helicopters 365 days a year and it costs in the region of £5.8 million each year to cover all charitable, medical and aircraft costs. Together with the communities served EHAAT will continue to strive to raise these vital funds.

Covering more than 2,900 square miles of both urban and, often inaccessible, rural landscape the Charity serves a combined population of 2.5 million.

Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said; “We are delighted to have received this funding, it’s a real opportunity for us to invest in and enhance the operation for the benefit of patients across Essex and Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

"We are extremely grateful to all our local MP’s across both Essex and Hertfordshire who lobbied on our behalf. Many of whom have visited the airbase and will continue to support us over the coming years ensuring that our vital life-saving service can continue to develop into the future.”

The Association of Air Ambulances directly aided its member air ambulance charities to make applications to receive LIBOR fines.

Clive Dickin, National Director, said; “We are delighted that the Association has been able to help its members in this way. EHAAT are a committed member and air ambulance charity and this grant will enable them to continue to improve and develop their already excellent service for the critically ill patients it serves."