Magpas Air Ambulance launches fundraising appeal inviting supporters’ names onto helicopter

Cambridgeshire-based charity Magpas Air Ambulance has launched a new fundraising campaign giving supporters the opportunity to have their name displayed on its helicopter as it responds to emergencies across the region.

The 'Your Name, Every Mission' appeal allows supporters to donate to have a name printed on the underbelly of the Magpas Air Ambulance helicopter, where it will fly on every lifesaving mission.

The minimum donation to take part is £100, with names limited to 30 characters. Donations can be made until May, after which the names will be applied to the aircraft. Each name is guaranteed to remain on the helicopter for at least one year.

Magpas Air Ambulance, based at Alconbury Weald, provides 24/7 critical care to patients in life-threatening emergencies across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and the wider East of England, including regular callouts to St Neots and surrounding communities.

Last year was the charity’s busiest on record, with medical teams responding to 1,948 emergencies. As a charity that relies entirely on public donations, Magpas says fundraising initiatives like this are vital to ensure it can continue meeting rising demand.

One of those helped by the service is Sophie Short, who was seriously injured in a road traffic collision close to her home. She has spoken about the impact the Magpas team had on her survival.

“The Magpas Air Ambulance crew brought the hospital trauma unit to me that day and saved my life,” she said. “Their calm voices and care made all the difference.”

After suffering multiple spinal injuries, Sophie later learned she might never walk unaided again. She credits the early specialist care she received at the scene with her recovery.

“Not only can I walk today, but I’ve walked down the aisle, seen my baby take his first steps, run the London Marathon and welcomed a second child. They didn’t just save my life – they gave me a future.”

Once the names have been added to the helicopter, Magpas Air Ambulance says supporters will be able to view photos and video footage online, along with artwork showing where each name appears on the aircraft.

Supporters who take part will also be invited to an exclusive event at the charity’s airbase to mark the campaign’s closure, where they may have the opportunity to see the helicopter in person, operational commitments permitting.

Magpas Air Ambulance responds to an average of five calls for help each day and is dispatched by NHS ambulance services when patients require specialist critical care before reaching hospital.