A NEW Forest theme park has chosen the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance as its latest premium charity partner.
Paultons Park at Ower will support the independent organisation through fundraising activities at the attraction, alongside donations from visitors.
The air ambulance is an independent charity that brings an advanced critical care team to the most seriously ill and injured patients in the area.
The charity – based at Thruxton near Andover – is currently fundraising for its new £3.6m airbase near Southampton Airport, which it says will reduce response times for almost all missions.
Deputy managing director at Paultons Park, James Mancey, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance to our premium charity partner programme. By working with a handful of charities over a number of years, we’re able to contribute meaningfully to the important work they deliver in our area.
“Operation Airbase, which would see the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance relocate to Southampton Airport, is one of the current projects that we’re specifically working to help the team achieve.”
The air ambulance – which operates 365 days a year – recently celebrated its 18th anniversary. Since it was founded it has responded to more than 21,000 incidents, with each call out costing an average of £3,500.
Paultons Park also supports Lymphoma UK and Young Lives vs Cancer as premium charity partners, as well as sponsoring local sporting teams, donating raffle prizes for local events, and providing venues for charity events. In the last 12 months alone, Paultons Park has raised £50,000 for charitable causes.
Director of income and engagement at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, Keith Wilson, said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to partner with one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the country. We know the team at Paultons Park will give everything to help save and improve lives across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight – and we can’t wait to start that journey together.”
