Building our future fleet with the help of our generous supporters

L-R: Claire Smith (EHAAT Trustee); Jane Gurney (EHAAT CEO); Cliff Gale (EHAAT Special Projects Advisor); Simon and Emma Brice.

We are delighted to be preparing to welcome a brand new Augusta Westland AW169 helicopter to the EHAAT fleet this Spring thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Replacing a smaller leased aircraft, and fully fitted with the very latest customised equipment for our life-saving service, the new helicopter will ensure we continue to deliver the very best pre-hospital care to our communities and protect the service for the future.

We are grateful for the unwavering support we receive from so many across Essex and Hertfordshire which has enabled us to make this crucial acquisition to our fleet. Special appreciation goes to the individuals and families who have generously contributed to the Building our Future Fleet campaign, making a significant impact with their personal gifts.

AW169 helicopter model

A strictly limited run of 10 bespoke and personalised AW169 helicopter models has been created as a beautiful memento for outstanding gifts to the campaign with the help of Royston-based 3D printing company, Prototype Projects and Jon Plumb, Product Designer at Cambridge Design Technology. We greatly valued their support in designing and making these unique models, a first for EHAAT and a special way of acknowledging inspirational personal gifts to the charity.

EHAAT CEO Jane Gurney expressed her joy as she presented the first of these models to Simon and Emma Brice, Witham-based business owners, at our Earl’s Colne airbase in early January as a thank you for their exceptional support. Highlighting the significance of the new AW169, Jane said, “The AW169 flies faster and further, and empowers our critical care teams to provide the very best pre-hospital emergency care to those who live and work in Essex and Hertfordshire. Owning a second AW169 is only possible with the collective support of many, and we thank Simon and Emma, among others, for their exceptional generosity. Their contributions will play a vital role in securing our service for future generations.”

L-R: Simon and Emma Brice

Simon said, “Having witnessed the remarkable impact of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance during my tenure as Essex High Sheriff in 2021, my wife Emma and I are thrilled to be part of the Building Future Fleet campaign and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the new AW169 helicopter. The helicopter model will take pride of place in our office, and looking ahead I am pleased to take a more pivotal role in supporting the charity, contributing to its mission and growth as a member of its Development Board.”

More information about the new AW169 will be announced soon.