Cornwall Air Ambulance is thanking Cornish businesses for helping it reach a milestone 25,000 missions.
The number of people helped by the Cornish charity in its 28-year history is the equivalent to 60 Jumbo jets full.
The 25,000th mission took place on February 24 in the Gunnislake area, rescuing a mother and baby suffering serious burns from hot water. The patient was airlifted to Derriford Hospital, reaching the specialist centre in just seven minutes.
The mission was one of the latest for the lifesaving helicopter, which flew 708 missions in 2014 alone and has already flown 88 rescues so far this year.
Every year the people and businesses of Cornwall dig deep to raise the £3 million needed to keep the air ambulance in the sky.
Cornwall Air Ambulance chief executive, Paula Martin, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to the thousands of Cornish businesses that have supported the air ambulance over the past 28 years.
“From small businesses who have one of our collection jars or donate their expertise to the charity, to some of Cornwall’s biggest companies who make significant donations or allow their staff to volunteer, it all helps keep our crews saving lives.
“Every day Cornwall Air Ambulance is called on emergency rescue missions where someone, somewhere in Cornwall needs fast, specialist medical help in their moment of need.
“As a charity that receives no government funding for our running costs it is only thanks to the people and businesses of Cornwall that these missions can take place.”
Cornwall Air Ambulance has two special events lined up this year to get Cornish businesses on board – the second annual It’s A Cornish Knockout competition, taking place in August, and the charity’s annual summer ball.
