Air ambulance raises £2m towards new base

The charity hopes to begin operations from the new base in 2026

An air ambulance charity has raised £2m towards building a new headquarters to help improve emergency response times.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance already has the keys to the new unit near Southampton Airport in Eastleigh, and is aiming to raise a total of £3.6 million to convert and equip the site.

It is hoped the move from its current base in Thruxton, near Andover, to a more central location will allow crews to reach patients more quickly across the region.

Chief executive Richard Corbett said: "We have been completely overwhelmed by the response from our supporters."

He added: "Whether they're scaling mountains, running on runways or responding to our mailing campaigns, every ounce of generosity is inching us closer to our move.

"It will be transformational for not only our service, but for the thousands of patients who need our help every year."

The new base will house the charity's helicopter and four emergency response vehicles, and will also serve as a hub for training and aftercare for patients and their families.

A dedicated visitor centre, funded by The Monday Charitable Trust, will allow the charity to welcome and engage with the local community.

Work is already under way to make the site fit for purpose, with operations expected to begin in spring 2026.