Stoke Air Ambulance charity announces closure during inquiry
Those running it said financial struggles and regulatory scrutiny lead to the shutdown
Stoke Air Ambulance is closing down amidst ongoing financial challenges and an investigation by the Charity Commission.
The inquiry focused on concerns about the charity's management and spending, including the level of expenditure on fundraising and the handling of conflicts of interest.
On 4th February 2026, the Charity Commission published a report detailing breaches in fundraising practices and questioning the charity's strategic planning.
The report highlighted issues related to staff payments and whether funds were being applied effectively towards charitable purposes.
Fast forward to August 2026 and the trustees of Stoke Air Ambulance have decided to wind up the charity's operations.
"We have explored a range of options for the charity’s future and had to consider challenges arising from regulatory intervention, together with operational and financial difficulties," they said.
"Surplus funds will be distributed to local charities whose purposes are similar to, or fall within, those of Stoke Air Ambulance CIO.
The trustees added: "As part of this process, the charity has taken steps to cancel all existing direct debit arrangements with immediate effect. Donors do not need to take any action. No further donations will be collected whilst the winding-up process is underway."
Stoke Air Ambulance is not affiliated or connected to Midlands Air Ambulance, the active air ambulance service covering Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, which has been in operation for more than 35 years.
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