Donations to air ambulance doubled as crews remain alert this Christmas
Festive appeal aims to save lives and keep families together
Cornwall Air Ambulance is aiming to bring families together, save lives, and deliver vital support to communities in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly this festive period.
As part of this year's Christmas campaign, the charity has released a heart-warming festive film which tells the story of a grandmother preparing her Christmas dinner while recalling flashbacks of her husband, who suffered a cardiac arrest.
The air ambulance crew intervened, leaving an emotional cliffhanger as viewers wait to learn whether there’s an empty chair at the family table this Christmas.
Tim Bunting, CEO of Cornwall Air Ambulance said, “We’ve tried to take on John Lewis. I’m not sure how we’ve done, but it’s a brilliant, brilliant film and we’re very pleased with the result.”
Produced locally by OT Media, the film had zero cost to the charity thanks to sponsorship by Castler and Code Solicitors.
Alongside the campaign film, donations toward the charity will be doubled thanks to a match funding initiative running until 31st December 2025.
A donor has pledged to match fund every donation received, meaning £1 will become £2, £10 will turn into £20, and so on.
Tim Bunting emphasised the importance of the fundraising drive, explaining that donations primarily fund their operations which deliver life-saving care across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
He said: “Our work becomes particularly busy at this time of year due to the increase in visitors and travel, so we are asking people to consider supporting us during this crucial festive period.”
Crews working hard over Christmas
The air ambulance crews remain on standby throughout the holiday season, ready to respond to emergencies while most are celebrating with their families.
Mr Bunting added: “Our crews are amazing. They’ll typically have a nice Christmas dinner but if that buzzer goes, they’ll go. Often, you’ll find half-eaten meals or mince pies left behind as they rush to help those in need.”
He encouraged people to take extra care during the festive period, especially with poor weather and increased traffic.
“We don’t want to be busy over Christmas, and a bit of care on the roads can go a long way to avoiding that call-out.”
The Cornwall Air Ambulance relies entirely on public donations, and the charity’s efforts continue both through Christmas and into 2026 as demand for their services shows no sign of slowing down.
“Please do think of supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance this Christmas. With donations being doubled, it’s the perfect time for generosity to make a difference,” Mr Bunting added.