Spring - Summer 2024 Helipad

WHAT’S INSIDE...

SUMMER RAFFLE THE GRAND

‘Take

1st Prize £1,450 2nd Prize

Play today for the chance to WIN great prizes and help us to be there for the people of Devon and beyond! Tickets cost just £1.

Join in the fun today: daat.org/grand-summer-raffle-2024

Or call: 01392 466 666

Line Pilot Capt. Ross White

As I write this introduction, the sun has finally decided to show its face again after what has felt like an endless deluge of rain. The sky is electric blue and there are just a few fluffy cumuli floating lazily by – spring must surely be on the way?

Despite the previously poor weather, it’s been business as usual here at DAA and we’ve got lots of exciting news, opportunities and events to share with you across the following pages. You can learn more about our jampacked spring/summer fundraising lineup on page 14, including – as you might have guessed from the front page – our first abseil event!

We’re proud to present a series of Patient Stories which highlight the broad nature of our operations and provide a real insight into how our charity works – all from a patient’s perspective.

Lastly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported us during our winter appeal. We exceeded our target to kit out our crew for Christmas, helping us to continue responding during the darker months. Read more about this on page 17.

After what has felt like a very long winter, we are all looking forward to the more temperate weather ahead. While you’re out there, enjoying all that our beautiful county of Devon has to offer, spare a thought for our specialist crews who are ready to respond to incidents and accidents from the moors to shores during the spring and summer months.

200th

DAA on Location

Heléna Holt Chief Executive Officer

Heléna Holt h.holt@daat.org

Editor

Gareth Peebles g.peebles@daat.org

Design

Silver Foxes Publishing 01803 842893

Contributors

Richard Wilson RHS

ISSN (Print) 2055-2343

ISSN (Online) 2055-2351

‘Novel’ fundraising

RHS Rosemoor

Subscriber queries & address changes: info@daat.org Ambrose

There’s more to it than just getting from

AB to

Captain Hamish Findlay and Captain Richie Tate respond to the question:

What do pilots do when they reach the scene of an incident?

Captain Hamish Findlay

Once we have landed on scene, we have a series of checks and procedures to carry out. After shutting down the aircraft we complete paperwork in the aircraft ‘techlog’ where we note the departure and arrival locations, precise timings of take-off and landing, how much fuel we have and any faults with the aircraft. We then conduct a ‘walk round’ of the aircraft to ensure we haven’t picked up any problems during the flight or while landing.

While attending an incident, paramedics normally leave their helmets on the ground near the aircraft, so we collect them and place them back in the aircraft, ready for departure. We then check the landing area for any hazards such as wires or loose items that we might have missed on arrival. If we have an idea of the patients’ requirements, in terms of the hospital they will need, we will do some planning for the transfer

- this involves looking at the flight time to the hospital and checking for weather conditions en-route.

When the weather is good and we have lots of fuel, patient transfer can be very simple, but with bad weather, it can take a bit more thought. With our fuel load and an approximate weight for the patient (and potential passengers), we put together a weight and balance plan, this ensures we don’t exceed the maximum weight of the aircraft and that the load is distributed correctly. Most of this planning is done using specialist software on the iPad we carry.

We then check the security of the area to see if it’s safe to leave the aircraft and assist the clinical crew with the patient. If we are close to the patient and it’s safe to leave the aircraft, we are trained to use some of the medical equipment to help support the crew onsite. If the patient needs a particular blood product, Lyoplas, we are trained to prepare and hand it to the paramedics. If a ventilator is required, we can set up the tubing and conduct some pre-use checks to speed up the application process.

In addition to this basic training, the clinical team often use us as timekeepers to help them keep track of how long they have been on scene with the patient. Perception of time can change when

working at a busy, highly-pressured scene, so keeping the crew aware of how long they are spending can help them prioritise their work.

We often help with scouting out extrication routes to either the aircraft or ambulance, so when the patient is ready to be moved it goes as smoothly as possible. In the past I have corralled fire fighters, police officers and even members of the public to help lift stretchers or open gates. I also like to be the bin man as lots of plastic packaging from medical equipment ends up floating around the scene and I try and keep on top of it.

Hamish has neatly summarised our duties while we are on scene, but to add to this, our presence also involves a fair amount of engagement with those we meet at scene.

It’s often the case, once we land, that members of the public will want to have a look around. To me this is such a great opportunity to engage with people and to share our work. Most of the time there will be at least one person watching, but sometimes there are up to ten people taking an interest and quite regularly, the most interesting questions we are asked are often by kids (who flock at events in their hundreds)!

Hamish adds

People are welcome to take photos of the aircraft, but I will always ask them to stop if a patient is near or being loaded, but once we have the doors shut, it’s OK to then take photos and videos of us departing.

I will ask the public to get as far away as they can before we depart, as the down wash from the helicopter can be a serious hazard, even if it’s expected. Occasionally, if lots of people have come to see the aircraft, I might ask a few

adults to do a little bit of crowd control and keep people at a safe distance for us to take off. We often get asked what is happening and why we are there, but due to patient confidentiality we can only give very limited information. We’re often asked whether we are undergoing a training flight, and we very seldom are!

Richie continues... Perhaps more challenging are encounters with animals. Sheep tend to run away on landing and then close in once the aircraft is shut down. Cows run away on landing and tend to stay away. Horses can be unpredictable: either they go crazy if I’m at 2000ft and nowhere near, or they might only glance up when landing. Sometimes they will come over to see what’s going on. We try our very best not to land in fields that have animals in them, but on the odd occasion joining them is our only option.

Just prior to setting off on the clinicians’ return, I’ll ensure I’ve either shut the gate myself or task someone to do this, then off we go! 

“ We’re often asked whether we are undergoing a training flight, and we very seldom are! ”

Captain Richie Tate

© Images: Capt. James Benson

Unique summer challenge raises over £1,300

Stormtrooping fundraisers, Frank Ward and Paul Atkins, took part in a Banger Rally Challenge for the fourth year, driving from Devon to Saint Tropez, while donating funds raised to DAA!

The Banger Rally Challenge is a charity event that has raised more than £1.7 million for various charities over the years. Participants drive on some of Europe’s finest and most scenic roads, while completing a series of challenges set by event organisers and team leaders. During this year’s event, ‘St Tropez or Bust’, participants had just 7 days to drive through 8 countries as they made their way to Saint Tropez.

Frank and Paul took part in the 2023 event in an old blue Mercedes SLK, wrapped to match their white and black Stormtrooper costumes. One of many challenges the stormtroopers participated in included remaining in costume for the duration of the challenge (throughout the September heatwave!), to be awarded extra points.

After driving from Charlestown Harbour in Cornwall to Saint Tropez via Dover, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Monaco across the allocated 8 days, Frank and Paul completed the return journey from Saint Tropez to Devon in one go, leaving Saint-Tropez at 09:00hrs and were back home in Devon by 01:15hrs. Frank and Paul were crowned champions for the second year and awarded £500 in prize money which they donated straight to DAA!

“ Frank and Paul’s drive and determination to fundraise for DAA is due to their own experience of a family friend needing our service... ”

From Ho! to Hoe

In September 2021, Frank’s son, Devon, was celebrating the last day of term with his friend Danny and others from their school. The friends were hanging out at a farm, sitting at the top of the haybarn chatting to one another until late into the night. However, the haybale Danny was sitting on tipped, and he fell some distance, seriously injuring his chest.

Being on a farm in a remote location, Danny’s friends were faced with the issue of limited telephone service, but Danny’s dad,

On their Facebook page, where they documented their incredible journey, Frank and Paul said:

‘We’re still in disbelief - we actually won the Banger Rally Challenge, Team Leader edition.

This year’s event almost didn’t happen, but our team leaders really pulled through, creating a spectacular show. We had the pleasure of reuniting with old teams and meeting new ones from all over the country.

The challenges set by the leaders took us through 8 beautiful European countries, and the stories from fellow teams about their antics along the way have been some of the best yet. We’re already eager to get back in the driver’s seat next year.’

Rowan, said: ‘All of Danny’s friends were remarkable, springing into action to get him the support he needed, quickly.’

Due to the severity of Danny’s injuries, the Devon Air Ambulance crew were dispatched, and once they had assessed him on scene, it was evident that he needed to be conveyed to Derriford Major Trauma Centre in Plymouth, as quickly as possible.

Following his incident, Danny was invited to DAA’s Eaglescott airbase by the Patient and Family Support Team to meet the crew.

Rowan added: ‘I have to say it is a fantastic service and it really does make a difference. The same gentleman contacted me shortly after the incident to follow up and see how Danny got on in hospital and I thought that was amazing.’

Along with their family and friends, Rowan and Danny have supported DAA ever since. In 2022, the father and son duo took part in the Coast-to-Coast challenge, walking more than 60 miles between Westward Ho! and Plymouth Hoe to raise funds for DAA. Despite this being a challenging walk, Rowan said: ‘I was walking with my boy, and it was amazing. He was very severely injured and is an incredibly lucky boy. As we were walking through Dartmoor, we saw the helicopter passing overhead too!’

Danny’s dad already had connections to Devon Air Ambulance as he was in the same school year as Ceri Thomas, the son of our founder, Ann Ralli. Ann began the Ceri Thomas appeal following the tragic loss of her son when he was knocked from his bicycle near Sidmouth in 1986. When Ann asked doctors what could have saved her son, she was told that the quicker a patient receives treatment, the better their chance of survival. This stayed with Ann, and she launched the Ceri Thomas Appeal to raise funds to get an Air Ambulance for Devon.

Speaking about Ann’s hard work all those years ago, Rowan said: ‘The one thing I say to everyone is that Devon Air Ambulance is the one charity you never know that you might need, and that is why it is always our chosen charity, especially now after Danny’s accident.’

Rowan and Danny continue to support DAA by donating to fundraisers such as their friend Frank’s Banger Rally Challenge.

We’re pleased to share that Frank & Paul will be supporting us again this year in the Banger Rally Challenge 2024. 

Westward Ho!

Danny and Dad, Rowan

Plymouth Hoe

Volunteer SPOTLIGHT Become a Box Collector

Our box collectors are a vital part of our volunteer network and it’s a great role to undertake. Not only is it incredibly flexible, but it’s also a fantastic way to get out in the community, to meet others and raise awareness of what we do.

Box collecting is an incredibly simple and flexible way to support us as it works around other commitments. Box collectors are responsible for emptying, banking and replacing collection

Box Collector & Events

Volunteer Tony Cannon says...

Being a people person, after a working life in the hospitality industry, I wanted to find a volunteer role that allowed me to maintain contact with people and that gave me an opportunity to give something back. Being aware of Devon Air Ambulance, I felt this was a very worthwhile local cause.

From day one, I found an atmosphere of friendliness and professionalism with volunteers being treated very much part of the team. In addition to attending events, I also help as a Box Collector which gives me an opportunity to engage with the local community, where I always find shops and other businesses very welcoming and interested in our work.

For me, volunteering for the Charity is not only enjoyable but a great way to help fund this emergency service for the people of Devon.

boxes up to three times a year at a number of venues in their local area.

We are always ready to welcome new box collectors across the county, in particular; North Devon, Torquay, Tavistock and Plymouth are areas currently in need of extra support. For more information and to register your interest please visit www.daat.org/volunteer or email volunteer@daat.org

Don’t fancy box collecting, but still want to get involved?

Perhaps one of the following

volunteer roles

would suit

you:

Retail Volunteer

• Help us create a welcoming, friendly and accessible charity shop; a great place for shoppers, donors and supporters to visit time and time again.

Fundraising Volunteer

• Get out and about, from organising and supporting events, to raising awareness and speaking to local groups.

Head Office Admin Support

• Support our head office, from reception cover to counting funds and assisting with mailing campaigns.

Help with all your heart

• Be part of this exciting campaign and deliver our free 90 minute ‘Help with All Your Heart’ CPR training sessions to local communities across Devon.

Impressive Volunteer Statistics

It’s

Throughout 2023 our dedicated volunteers achieved some great things! Volunteers play a pivotal role in supporting our operations and extending our reach within the community, their continued commitment and generous contributions are instrumental in ensuring our crew can continue to respond to those in need.

estimated that volunteer hours saved DAA over £1m in 2023, equal to the cost of 242 missions. Our volunteers really are life savers!

Meet our Volunteer Team

The Volunteer Team support our 600+ volunteers ensuring their time with us is enjoyable, that they feel valued, and they understand the impact that their contribution makes.

Vicky Thresher Volunteer Manager

Vicky joined our team in 2023 and is delighted to be continuing the support for our volunteers who so generously donate their time, aiming to provide the best possible experience for them. Vicky added, ‘I’m excited about the opportunities for volunteering going forward as well as building relationships with our volunteers.’

Charlotte Fleetwood

Volunteer Engagement Officer

Charlotte’s role is to ensure our volunteers feel supported and valued, through meaningful engagement, development, and recognition. Charlotte says, I’m excited to expand our volunteer network and develop new ways of volunteering.

Carrie Packer

Volunteer Administrator

Carrie started with us in 2023 and looks after all the administration behind bringing a new volunteer into the fold. Carrie says, ‘I’m excited for what the future will bring in our team, we are striving for the very best for all our volunteers, current and future and therein the very best for DAA.’

To find out more contact the Volunteer Team Via email: volunteer@daat.org or visit: www.daat.org/volunteer

A huge thank you to our recently retired box collectors

Roy Pugsley (Lynton) 11 years

Margaret Box (South Molton) 11 years

- Margaret will continue as a retail volunteer in the shop

Graham Gordon (Torquay) 8 years

John Druett (Yelverton) 7 years

Bob Cartledge (Brixham) 5 years

DAA’s Farming Injury & Prevention WORKSHOP

Engaging the agricultural community with our Farming Injury & Prevention Workshop, we were delighted to return to this year’s West Country Farming and Machinery Show as their chosen charity.

On Wednesday 21 February we returned to the West Country Farming and Machinery Show at Westpoint Arena, Exeter, for the second consecutive year, where our medical crew ran a 45-minute Farming Injury & Prevention Workshop. This handson interactive presentation provided attendees with the opportunity to learn crucial injury prevention and treatment techniques commonly needed in remote farms throughout the county.

Darren Goodwin, DAA Head of Operations said, “We were delighted to be able to engage with our agricultural community at the recent West Country Farming and Machinery Show 2024. Our crew of specialist paramedics ran a 45-minute interactive presentation, enabling those attending to get hands on with our team to help prevent and treat injuries that often happen in some of the most remote locations across the county. We were also able to answer questions they had about their own experiences at work. It was a great day and wonderful to be able to chat to some farmers who have been personally affected by our service.”

From industrial machinery and

temperamental animals to long hours and lone working, the risks that agricultural workers face on a daily basis are vast. According to the Government’s Health and Safety Executive’s report, Fatal injuries in agriculture, forestry and fishing in Great Britain 2022/23* ‘Agriculture has the worst rate of worker fatal injury of all the main industry sectors’.

With a focus on reducing agricultural incidents and improving patient outcomes, in February 2023 we took the opportunity to attend the first ever West Country Farming and Machinery Show to introduce our Injury Prevention project by engaging with the local farming community.

This September we are proud to launch the South West’s first ever Devon Air Ambulance Medi-Connect Conference; an event focused on pre-hospital emergency care, focussing this year on Rural Response. This educational and interactive conference aims to bring together pre-hospital healthcare professionals and experts to help shape and influence the future of emergency first responders.

The Medi-Connect Conference, will be held at Exeter Racecourse on 24 September 2024, bringing together pre-hospital healthcare professionals and experts to help shape and influence the future of emergency first responders.

For further information about our Medi-Connect Conference in Rural Response and to book your free place please visit: daat.org/mediconnect-2024

*www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/resources/fatal.htm

How helped us to locate George on rural Dartmoor

When George Bladon set off from Okehampton for a day of hiking and exploring Dartmoor with friends and family, he could never have imagined it would be the day he would need the air ambulance.

It was a bright sunny day, and the ideal conditions for a good walk, so George and his group of experienced explorers planned a hike that would take them to Great Links Tor.

George told us, ‘It was the perfect day to be out on Dartmoor, the weather was absolutely beautiful.’

When George, his cousin and friends finally arrived at the Tor, George decided to climb up a little higher to take in the amazing views across the moors but unfortunately as he stepped across the awkward rocks, he lost his balance falling into a deep gully and landing on a ledge, on his back.

He added, ‘As I was falling, time seemed to slow down, and I had plenty of time to think ‘Why did I do that?’ and ‘This is going to hurt’... but the bizarre thing is that as I landed, I wasn’t in any pain.’

As George’s family and friends came to his aid, they could see immediately that he was in a bad way and needed urgent help. It was clear to see that he had broken his leg in several places and suffered open fractures. His cousin remained calm but immediately called 999 and instructed them that they would require an air ambulance due to their remote location.

Using the what3words app, which he had only downloaded for the first time the previous day, the group were able to give an exact location for our aircrew to quickly locate George’s exact position.

George said, ‘It was such a relief to hear the helicopter approaching because I knew the professionals were on their way to help me.’

On their arrival the crew began to assess George’s injuries, due to his position between the rocks it was a possibility that he may have also sustained spinal injuries from the impact of hitting the rocks, however, George’s injuries seemed to be related only to his leg. The crew were working in difficult conditions within a small and confined space. They prepared George for the journey ahead, making sure that his injured leg was fully supported, and the open fractures dressed to prevent infection. Soon they were ready to convey him to Derriford Major Trauma Centre in Plymouth.

‘I was amazed at how small the inside of the helicopter was once there was me in there with the crew and all their kit. Everything has its place and the crew have everything they need at hand to use throughout the journey if needed.’

Five days after arriving at Derriford Hospital, George began his journey to recovery, undergoing X-rays, and several operations to reposition the bones he had broken in his fall. This included orthopaedic surgery, followed by numerous muscle and skin grafts with the plastic surgery team. In total, George spent two weeks in hospital before he was able to go home.

George, who lived alone in Bristol, was able to move in with his cousin in Weston-Super-Mare for the next four months to aid his recovery and get the help and extra care that he needed. While chatting to George, he told us that his recovery was tough to begin with, especially as he loved to be out walking and would now need to rest his leg for some considerable time.

‘I have been getting better every day, week, and month with lots of exercise. I enjoy going on walks and have been building that up over time and I have just started attending gym classes too.’

Now several months on from his incident, George remains in contact with our Critical Care Paramedic, Josh, who was one member of our crew that assisted him back in April 2023. George told Josh, ‘I am happy to share my story to highlight the great work that you do.’

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, George, we are happy that you are on the road to recovery and hope you will be able to enjoy beautiful Dartmoor again soon.

About what3words

When it’s hard to describe where you are in an emergency, you only need to read out three words for 999 to know exactly where to find the incident.

what3words is an application that helps a user share their precise location. The app divides the world into units of 3 meters squared. Attributed to each unit is a unique 3-word address that will never change, irrespective of how the landscape in which that grid falls changes. See the code on the right where George was located on Great Links Tor.

How is Devon Air Ambulance using the app?

Our HEMs dispatchers use the 3 words given to them when receiving a call and translate these into the coordinates they need to direct the emergency aircraft to the precise location where our critical care team is needed. For those who are calling for help from remote locations and might not have grid references to hand, this application can be especially useful and can be used without a signal or internet connection.

Scan the code to download the app to your smartphone

George receiving treatment to stabilise his badly fractured leg

Events Upcoming

Get your calendars at the ready and make note of all the exciting events we’ve got lined up!

Following the success of last year’s event pop-up shops, you can now grab yourself a bargain at The Devon County Show, Axe Vale Show, Mid Devon Show, North Devon Show and Kingsbridge Show where our pop-up shops will be in full swing, plus, don’t miss the chance to enter our much-anticipated Big Summer Raffle at all of our summer shows.

Exmouth Pride

Saturday 22nd June, 2024

Devon County Show

Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th

Our Fundraising Team and pop-up shop will be ready for action, plus, we will be joining Vision Zero and our emergency services colleagues to promote safer driving on our counties’ roads in the Emergency Services Village. Westpoint, Exeter EX5 1DJ

Bideford Bike Show

Sunday 26th

Bike show, stalls, live music and food. Bideford Quay, Bideford EX39 2HW

English Riviera Airshow

Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd June, 2024

Enjoy the first event in the UK’s Airshow Calendar. As well as flying displays you can enjoy the fair and carnival stalls, plus an array of food and drink. stalls, live music and food. Paignton Green, Paignton TQ4 6BQ

Respect Festival

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th

Exeter Respect is the city’s annual celebration of diversity where performing and creative arts are used to engage the wider community in saying no to racism and all forms of prejudice. Belmont Park, Exeter EX4 6SS

Celebrate Pride in Manor Gardens at this free event with a live music stage, stalls, food and drink and an exciting atmosphere. Manor Gardens, Alexandra Terrace, Exmouth EX8 1NZ

Axe Vale Show

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd

A show designed to highlight the best that Axminster and surrounding areas have to offer.

Axe Vale Showground, Axminster, Devon EX13 5PJ

Armed Forces Day

Saturday 29th

An exciting day to support the the Armed Forces community. Explore military vehicles and tackle the Royal Marines challenging activities while enjoying live music and parades.

Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth PL1 2PA

JULY

Mid Devon Show

Saturday 27th

There’s a lot to discover at this rural show, with nonstop entertainment, produce, livestock area, shopping, classic vehicles and food. Plus, learn more about farm life and local history. Knightshayes, Tiverton EX16 7PP

Totnes Show

Sunday 28th

A day out to enjoy with friends and family. An agricultural show with live music, horses, craft area and food.

Great Court Farm, Berry Pomeroy, Totnes TQ9 9EN

Woolsery Show

Monday 29th

A great summer day out with livestock, exhibits, crafts, local foods, hounds, vintage machinery, and more.

Clovelly Court, Clovelly EX39 5TA

Yealmpton Show

Wednesday 31st

Another fantastic summer show with vintage machinery, animals, large countryside arena & crafts.

Kitley Lawns Yealmpton, Plymouth PL8 2NN

AUGUST

Honiton Show

Thursday 1st

Held in the heart of the East Devon countryside on a 140 acre site, highlighting the best of local farming. Families can also enjoy local produce, food, crafts and rural skills.

Honiton Showground, Honiton EX14 3AW

North Devon Show

Wednesday 7th

Enjoy traditional countryside crafts, livestock, food, animal education centre, BMX display, circus and fairground, along with pony club games, carriage driving games and hounds.

Umberleigh EX37 9DX

Okehampton Show

Thursday 8th

A traditional agricultural show with a wide range of prizewinning animals, delicious local food & drink, plenty of shopping, displays, children’s entertainment and much more.

Stoney Park Showground, Okehmapton EX20 4LP

Exford Show

Wednesday 14th

The finest of local horses, Exmoor Ponies and sheep are on show, together with superb crafts and trade stands, plus local food and drink.

Rooksmead, Church Hill, Exford TA24 7PP

Chagford Show

Thursday 15th

Not just an agricultural show! Enjoy a full programme of attractions and things to do going on all day alongside regular show favourites.

Dogmarsh Fields, Mill end, Chagford TQ13 8JN

Holsworthy Show

Thursday 22nd

Stock, horses and ponies are the main feature of the show with a prize giving parade during the afternoon, plus a full programme of activities.

Killatree Cross, Pyworthy, Holsworthy EX22 6LP

SEPTEMBER

Torbay Pride

Saturday 7th

Join Torbay Pride which gathers at 11am by Princess Gardens and makes it way to Torre Abbey. Enjoy live entertainment, local catering and bars.

Tore Abbey Meadows, Torquay TQ2 5SG

Kingsbridge Show

Saturday 7th

Fun for all the family with animals, craft and food.

Borough Farm, Kingsbridge TQ9 7QP

Widecombe Fair

Tuesday 10th

Run entirely by volunteers to raise money for local good causes, as well as providing an opportunity for farmers to compare the size of their tractors.

Widecombe in the Moor TQ13 7TA

Abbfest

Thursday 19th - Sunday 22nd

Every year Abbfest hosts a wonderful weekend full of live music, locally produced beer & cider, chef demonstrations and a food & craft market full of local artisan producers.

Fermoys Garden Centre, Newton Abbot TQ12 5TN

DAA’s Daring

Take your support for Devon Air Ambulance to dizzying new heights!

Get ready for the adrenaline-pumping adventure of a lifetime as we invite you to join us for DAA’s Daring Descent: our new abseil event, rappelling off the historic 80-metre Citadel Walls in Plymouth!

Picture yourself standing at the edge, overlooking breathtaking views of Plymouth Sound, the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, and the vast horizon beyond. With the wind in your hair and courage in your heart, you will descend the infamous towering walls: all in support of the life-saving missions of Devon Air Ambulance.

This isn’t just any charity event – it is a chance to make a real difference to the lives of those in need. Every step you take, every heart-pounding moment, will help raise vital funds to keep our helicopters flying and our crews’ saving lives across Devon.

Join us and be part of something truly extraordinary. Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a loyal supporter of our cause, or simply looking for an unforgettable experience, this event is for you!

Gather your friends, family, and colleagues, and together, let’s make this a day to remember.

No previous experience is necessary – the expert military team at the Citadel will be there every step of the way to ensure your safety and guide you through the exhilarating descent. So, are you ready to take the leap for a cause a cause that means so much to so many?

We are grateful to the 29 Commando Royal Artillery Regiment for hosting us and making this event possible.

Event Date: 12th October 2024

A Heartfelt Thank You!

You helped raise £79,000 to stock up our crew with vital equipment for winter

In October we launched our, “From Your Hearts to Their Hands” Christmas Appeal, raising funds for essential pieces of kit, equipment and medicine to ensure our crews are prepared and ready to support those in need during winter.

When our team are called out on important, time-critical missions to provide specialist care when a person gets injured or falls ill, the speed at which they respond - combined with their expertise and the kit they carry - can make all the difference to a patient’s survival and their successful recovery.

Throughout the winter months, it was you, our amazing supporters, who donated to keep our crews equipped and ready to go. From smaller, disposable pieces of equipment such as scalpels and defibrillator pads, to larger pieces of equipment like the T-Pod Pelvic Stabilisation Device, your vital donations and support meant that we could be there for more people in and around Devon.

Our 2023 Christmas Appeal raised a staggering £79,343.52!

Nigel Lang, Advanced Paramedic Critical Care said, ‘I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported our Christmas campaign; money raised will help us to help people suffering major trauma or critical illness. Beyond this, the amazing support we have from you has a terrific effect on us all at Devon Air Ambulance; knowing we have your support encourages us every day.’

Darren Goodwin, Head of Operations added, ‘The support we received with this appeal was truly amazing. More than £79,000 was donated and that will enable us to keep our crews fully equipped with everything they need for any mission in the coming months. On behalf of everyone at Devon Air Ambulance, I would like to thank every one of you who gifted us a donation over Christmas. No matter the size of the gift, it was truly appreciated by us all.’

Supporters Superstar    

Our valuable supporters have been very busy over the autumn and winter months hosting or participating in a whole range of activities to raise vital funds and awareness

Thank you to each and every one of

you!

Huge thanks to Aune Valley Meat for supporting us with their wildflower sales last year. This donation followed earlier support at their May Day Fête – we are so grateful to this wonderful family for their ongoing support.

Bickleigh Drama Group, is proud of being able to raise a fantastic amount of £2,638.13 from their Curry and Play nights.

Thank you so much to Bigbury Golf Club Seniors for their ongoing and continued support. We are so grateful for their recent donation of £1,100.

Beverley Webb pictured on the right hand side, along with Susan Brayley and Marirose Russell, organised and held a coffee morning in Broadwoodwidger back at the end of November 2023 in support of DAA and raised a very generous amount of £270.60 – thank you.

Thank you to the children of the 1st Ivybridge Rainbows they raised us an amazing £151.39.

Back in September last year; Summer Stoneman raised an amazing £213.75 when she completed the mini Great North West Run in an impressive 7 minutes in memory of her grandad Ian, who was assisted by DAA and a keen fundraiser. Well done Summer!

The Devon Wargames Group ran their annual event (Clotted Lard) in September 2023, with all profits being donated to Devon Air Ambulance. Players from all over the country paid to attend, getting to play two games, and being provided with complimentary refreshments. A smashing day was had by all, raising an amazing £460.02. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Karen Power, pictured riding Erin on the left; arranged a pass wide and slow awareness event which raised £137.50, to highlight how dangerous roads can be for horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians. Karen chose to support DAA, saying, “being a horse rider, if I ever parted company with my lovely mare it would be the air ambulance who would come and get me due to the remote locations that I ride across”

Talented Martha, very kindly decided to make a donation of £40 to DAA after selling her handmade printed cards in her local community. Thank you Martha!

Members of the Plymstock U3A, held a raffle in aid of DAA and raised a very generous donation of £250. Thank you so much.

Another long term supporter; Lyn Valley Classic has recently donated an incredible £2,000 following their event held in June last year, which showcased over 400 vehicles from supercars to tractors against the breathtaking backdrop of Lynton & Lynmouth. Thank you to everyone involved.

Churchill Retirement Living’s Jubilee Lodge in Seaton arranged a Summer fete last year, in memory of former lodge resident John Claydon and in support of fellow lodge resident Jane, who were both assisted by DAA. The fete raised an incredible £1,293.16 and the churchill foundation boosted the donation by adding £1,000 to the total. Thank you to everyone involved.

DAA has been fortunate to receive an amazing £2,500 from the North Devon Motor Club presidency appeal. Thank you so much!

Exeter and East Devon CAMRA held their Exeter Festival of beer back in January 2024 and have donated a very generous amount of £300 to DAA from the weekend. Thank you!

In October last year, Charlie, Daisy and Jasmine with their Mums, Naomi and Jane, completed a hike to the summit of the 3 tallest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales in 3 consecutive days over half term.They have managed to raise an incredible collective total of £1,728.79 for DAA.

We are very thankful to the Whistlestop Bikers for donating £125 to DAA following a donation bucket held at a recent biker evening.

Huge thanks goes to Sandra Hannaford who decided to celebrate her 75th Birthday in style by completing a skydive, whilst raising vital funds for DAA.

The Mountain Inn in Lutton, held a a fundraising day to help Sandra with her fundraising and she managed to raise a very generous £577

Lucy Mazcann has had a busy Christmas making and selling lemon curd to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance. She did an amazing job selling her homemade lemon curd in pretty jars and had a stall in Exe Valley Farm shop one morning and sold out very quickly. Lucy raised an incredible £150. Thank you.

Following assistance from DAA for both herself and her 1st husband; Mary Shere became a long - term supporter of DAA. Mary raised and donated a staggering £9,000+ for DAA over the years. We were saddened to hear the news of Mary’s passing.

Janet and Alan Brace recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, by holding a party at Torrington Town Hall. In lieu of gifts, they requested donations to DAA. Mr and Mrs Brace have very kindly donated £345 to DAA and are pictured here with DAA volunteers Sandra and Alan Crawley. Congratulations and thank you to you both.

2023 saw Graham Chuck sadly lose loved ones and friends; he wanted to end the the year on a positive note and with a physical challenge by competing in 30 x 3 minute rounds of punching. Graham has raised an incredible £495 for DAA, as it was the DAA that came to his friend Simon’s aid. Thank you Graham!

Phil Gawman from Tavistock Golf Club, decided to choose DAA as his benefiting charity during his 2023 term as Captain. Phil along with club members raised an incredible £3,250. Phil is pictured here with Netty, manager at our Tavistock Charity shop. Huge thanks to Phil and everyone at Tavistock Golf Club.

Following our beanie appeal; The ladies from Poltimore WI have been busy knitting lots of hats. Our crew pop a hat onto our patients to help prevent them losing heat in the colder months. The ladies have also made some trauma teddies for our younger patients. Thank you ladies.

Friends of Bovey Tracey, have provided another 12 months of valuable support for DAA and raised a staggering £16,262.39 during 2023. Thank you to each and every one of you!

As part of Rose Smyth’s swim England Youth Volunteer course, Rose arranged with support from her friend Phoebe a cake sale and charity swimming gala with seasonal fun relays for the children at Tiverton Swimiming club in aid of DAA. This festive event managed to raise an unbelievable £635.01. Thank you to Rose and everyone involved.

The Lyn Line Dancers have been supporting DAA since 2015, DAA received a very kind and generous £1,811 from their summer 2022 and 2023 seasons – Thank you everyone. Pictured here from Left to Right is Debbie Williams, Jo Fuller, Dance instructor Heidi Baker with DAA volunteer Ros.

Emma Colwill tragically lost her dad in a road traffic accident. DAA meant so much to her dad who was a regular fundraiser. Emma has decided to raise money for DAA in memory of her dad. As they shared a love for abseiling, she abseiled down the National Lift Tower in Northampton and raised £1,933.27 for DAA. Emma is pictured here with her Dad. Thank you Emma!

Could you raise vital funds for Devon Air Ambulance?

Our fundraising team is ready to lend their support to your event, project or challenge!

Contact us on 01392 466666 option 2 today!

We celebrate our

Our Community Landing Site network has achieved a major milestone in Fremington.

Our extensive network of 200 surveyed landing sites have allowed our aircraft to land in many towns and villages across Devon during the hours of darkness, enabling our specialist medical crew to reach patients quickly and safely.

First established in 2016 when the organisation began the move to nighttime flying, the pre-surveyed sites quickly caught the attention of Devon’s supportive towns and villages and soon 100 sites were established.

Graham Coates, Landing Sites Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, said, ‘It’s great news that a second community landing site in Fremington is now operational and we can reach even more local people by air during the hours of darkness. My thanks to the Fremington Parish Council for their ongoing and continued support for this project.

‘We reached our previous milestone of the 150th site in June 2020 at Newton Ferrers, so to be able to celebrate our 200th site in 2024 is extremely exciting

200 th Community Landing Site

Devon Air Ambulance aircrew, staff and volunteers.

Fremington Parish Council has been working with us for several years, initially regarding the Community Landing Site at the football club and now at Tews Lane where this latest project came to fruition. Sue Kingdom, Chair of Fremington Parish Council, said, ‘We’ve been working with DAA for several years now, first with our site at the Beechfield playing field and now here at Queen Elizabeth II playing field, Tews Lane, and it’s just as exciting to also get this site operational as it was the first time round! We’re delighted that the project has been completed and we now have a second landing site for our community.’

and I cannot wait to see how the landing sites continue to develop over the coming years.’

The celebrations were enjoyed by residents, parish councillors, children from Roundswell Community Primary Academy, Barnstable, along with

Jude Wood, Administrator & Projects Manager for Fremington Parish Council said, ‘We were so thrilled to be invited to this grand celebration of our second community landing site within the Parish of Fremington and the 200th for DAA’s network of sites. All the councillors who attended had a great time and we loved meeting the crew and staff that make this amazing charity’s achievements happen.’ 

For further information on the network please contact Graham Coates, Devon Air Ambulance’s Landing Site Manager on: 01392 466666 or email Graham direct at landingsites@daat.org

Exciting News from DEV O N AIR AMBU L ANCE SHOP DAAT

We are excited to announce the launch of a new ‘Click and Collect’ service from our Barnstaple eCommerce Headquarters, above the Devon Air Ambulance shop on Boutport Street. So now you can shop from the comfort of your own home and collect at a time convenient for you!

Simply place an order from our wide range of clothes and accessories through our online shop, www.shopdaat.org, then when you pay for your item, select the Click & Collect option. Once your order is ready to collect, simply head over to the till area in store and request your items, saving you time and postage costs.

Any items ordered Monday to Saturday before 2pm can be collected from 3pm onwards the same day. Any orders made after 2.30pm on Saturday and anytime on Sunday will be available from the following Monday.

Help put our next Charity Shop on the map

Our 20 Devon Air Ambulance charity shops and thriving e-commerce operation are a vital source of revenue to keep Devon Air Ambulance responding to those in need, across Devon and beyond.

However, there are still many areas across Devon where we do not yet have a shop, and this is where we need your help. If you are a landlord or know of any potential opportunities for a Devon Air Ambulance shop, then please let us know!

Ideally, we’re looking for long-term tenure, but we would also consider trialling a pop-up shop for a minimum of three months to two years.

Basement Bargains

Don’t miss out on some incredible bargains available through the basement section of our online shopwww.shopdaat.org

You’ll be sure to find a large variety of quality clothes and accessories at discounted prices.

Simply head over to our website and select the ‘Basement’ option to start browsing the available items!

Dress to Impress and Help Save Lives

With prom season fast approaching, we will be listing a wide range of dresses, shoes and accessories in a variety of colours and sizes.

Stand out from the crowd with a prom dress from www.shopdaat.org. There are huge savings to be made with a ‘preloved’ or ‘as new’ dress, all whilst helping to save lives at the same time! We wish all those attending a prom this season a truly wonderful time and our best wishes and congratulations for their achievements, endeavours and futures. 

Pete Vallance Head of Business Development

Salcombe Yacht Club

We were delighted to be chosen by the Mill Bay Beach Owners’ Group at Salcombe as their charity of the year for 2023.

‘

It is hard to find places to berth your boat around this area of Devon. Members of Salcombe Yacht Club and visitors can keep their boats close to the club, at Mill Bay Beach, East Portlemouth and Salcombe, for up to 4 weeks in any one year for just £10 per week. 100% of this was donated to Devon Air Ambulance in 2023’

Through this scheme, Mill Bay Beach Owners’ Group raised over £3,000. This is not the first donation associated with the club. When Salcombe Yacht Club celebrated their 125th anniversary a couple of years ago, a percentage of ticket sales was also donated to Devon Air Ambulance. DAA was chosen as the charity beneficiary because a couple of years prior, Jules McColl, Manager of Salcombe Yacht Club, had experienced first-hand how crucial the service is.

Jules’s dad, John Walster, was playing tennis with friends at a hotel in Okehampton when suddenly, he collapsed, suffering a Cardiac Arrest.

Jules said, ‘Dad would not have survived if the hotel did not have a defibrillator and the staff had not acted so quickly in using it. Then the air ambulance got him into RD&E Hospital quickly. It saved his life, and there is a ripple effect for us as a family too.’

Hotel staff immediately administered CPR and used a defibrillator they fortunately had on site whilst waiting for medical assistance to arrive. DAA were tasked to attend and arrived quickly, taking over John’s care and conveying him to Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where he made a full recovery. Feeling much better after receiving this care, John was back to his normal self, even making a joke to his family checking if he had been winning the tennis before he collapsed!

Jules added, ‘Without that helicopter we would not have had him with us today!’

Inspired by the care her dad received, Jules was motivated to fundraise for DAA during several other events. What the team at Salcombe Yacht Club (SYC) did not anticipate was that they would need DAA’s support again when a guest also suffered a Cardiac Arrest at an SYC event. The guest received CPR and is now back healthily sailing!

Following this experience, Salcombe Yacht Club began raising money for their own Defibrillator as the closest one previously was roughly a 5-minute walk away at Whitestrand Boat Hire.

Devon Air Ambulance is immensely grateful to Salcombe Yacht Club and Mill Bay Beach Owners for all their support of our lifesaving service and look forward to planning more activities together in the future. 

John & Jackie Walster

One foot in the grave (yard...)

On a warm August day, Mina Butcher was maintaining the boundary hedge to her property at the old Paignton Cemetery when the incident happened.

The graveyard had been intentionally left to overgrow for the wildlife, but, unbeknown to Mina, this overgrowth concealed a partially collapsed grave. While positioning herself to tidy up this particularly dense spot, Mina stumbled into the grave, falling awkwardly, dislocating her left ankle, and suffering a painful open fracture.

Mina’s husband, Brian, who was also helping with the maintenance, rushed back home to get the car to take Mina to hospital, in the meantime, Mina phoned a neighbour who promptly rushed over to help support her leg. It was clear on Brian’s return that he would not be able to transport Mina to hospital himself, so he quickly called 999 for help.

Mina was worried about the open fracture becoming infected, so her neighbour helped her to stay focused on maintaining the position of her leg and foot to keep her as comfortable as possible.

Brian explained to the 999-call handler that the wound was bleeding so they asked him if he had anything to hand that he could use as a tourniquet to stem the bleeding. Brian recalls: ‘I remembered that in the boot of the car there was an old duvet cover in case something is particularly muddy when going to the tip. It had recently been washed, so I ripped a bit off and used that, but luckily the bleeding was slowing down.’

The land ambulance crew soon arrived and initially they struggled to find Mina in the large graveyard and by the time they found her, Mina could also hear our aircraft flying overhead.

She told us, ‘I was sat there waving like mad to the helicopter so they could see me, and they circled round, landing in Stanley Gardens Park on the other side of the new cemetery down the road. When they arrived, they were so friendly and lighthearted. Even joking and asking, ‘What’s going on here then?’ That instantly made me feel comfortable.

Not only were the Devon Air Ambulance crew wonderful at looking after me, but they were also extremely thoughtful to those around me, including my husband, Brian. There was no panic, I felt incredibly calm with the crew around.’

Once the crew had assessed and treated Mina’s injury, they prepared her for her onward journey to Derriford Major Trauma Centre in Plymouth, she was taken first to the nearby land ambulance to be safely moved to the helicopter which was waiting for her.

Brian helped to move the kit for the air ambulance crews and directed the land ambulance crew to the aircraft. Mina remembers that the doctor on board, Dr Tim Nutbeam, held

As part of Mina’s ongoing support from our Patient and Family Support Team, Mina and Brian were both invited to visit our Eaglescott Airbase in November.

her hand reassuringly for the entire flight while Critical Care Paramedic, John, joked with her to make her feel at ease.

‘My recovery started the minute the Devon Air Ambulance crew arrived.’

Mina spent the next 12 nights in Derriford Hospital, Plymouth with her first operation the day after her incident, and a second procedure eight days later. Shortly after this second procedure, Mina returned home with strict instructions to get lots of rest for the next two weeks. Her care was then transferred to Torbay Hospital, and she was in a non-weight bearing case for 6 weeks followed by a weight bearing boot for another 6 weeks.

‘I could not fault the care that I received from Devon Air Ambulance, from that initial rescue, to meeting Adrian from the Patient and Family Support Team who kindly came to visit me in hospital, and of course all the wonderful NHS staff at Derriford

and Torbay Hospital too.

Throughout this experience I have always maintained a positive attitude towards recovery, setting myself little goals that I can achieve each week while I continue to attend the outpatient’s clinic at Torbay Hospital.’

As part of Mina’s ongoing support from our Patient and Family Support Team, Mina and Brian were both invited to visit our Eaglescott Airbase in November. This gave Mina a chance to see the helicopter up close, meet some of our clinical crew, ask questions about her incident and to find out more about the service provided by DAA on that eventful day. Mina and Brian proudly presented the team with a cheque at their airbase visit to say thank you for all they have done to support her recovery since this incident.

BAKEOFFFOR TAKEOFF

you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can make a difference by baking goodies that will help save lives.

This summer, gather your friends, family, and colleagues for a fun-filled fundraiser and organise your very own Bake Off for Take Off. Be it a coffee morning, bake sale, afternoon tea – or any other jam-packed, cake-themed event you can cook up –your support to raise vital funds will keep our crew responding during the busy summer months.

With long sunny days and an influx of tourists, Devon inevitably gets busier throughout summer. With everyone out and about, enjoying all that the county has to offer, our crew are called upon to respond to even more road traffic collisions, medical incidents, sports and leisure incidents and accidental injuries during this period.

With your Bake Off for Take Off event, not only will you be spreading joy with your delectable creations, but you’ll also be

helping to save lives by raising valuable funds, ensuring that our crew can continue responding to those in urgent need.

All you need to do is select a date, time and venue to suit you and your guests, dust off your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to BAKE a difference this summer.

Whatever you decide for your event, our Fundraising Team are here to make sure it’s a great success! Get in touch today to receive your handy fundraising pack including bunting, cake toppers and invitations.

please scan the QR code or visit

Whether you’re baking cupcakes, cookies, or signature cakes, every treat you sell will make a difference in someone’s life.

Forwww.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.org

For more information visit daat.org/take-off-24 or email our fundraising team fundraising@daat.org

Patients to benefit from two new DAA

Critical Care Cars

Crucial service expansion helps paramedics and doctors to reach patients even faster, improving survival and successful recovery rates.

In January, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) introduced two more Critical Care Cars into service, bringing its fleet of rapid response cars to four, strengthening its operations and helping more people in need of urgent pre-hospital care.

The new high-performance Volvo XC90 four-wheel drive cars, which are the same make and model as those already proven so effective on Devon’s roads, have been specially converted for their emergency role and include blue light response kits which combine to give our critical care teams the best chance of reaching a patient’s side as quickly as possible.

All of DAA’s Critical Care Cars (CCCs) are equipped with the same specialist medical equipment and medicines that are carried on the helicopters, so the Charity’s highly skilled teams can deliver

a range of advanced clinical interventions and procedures at the scene of the incident, helping to enhance patient outcomes and save lives.

Devon Air Ambulance first introduced two CCCs into service back in March 2020 and - being primarily located at each airbase - crews use the vehicles when adverse weather or maintenance prevents the helicopters from flying. In addition, in some situations it can actually be quicker to respond by road. For example, when an incident occurs close to an airbase or in more heavily built-up urban areas, where finding a suitable open area to land can be more challenging.

More recently, several trial projects have demonstrated that we can reach and treat more patients by adapting how we can utilise CCCs within more densely populated parts of Devon.

Darren Goodwin Head of Operations

Darren Goodwin, Head of Operations, explains more about these projects and their benefits to patients. “During COVID-19, we were fortunate to be loaned a Volvo XC60 as a temporary additional Critical Care Car, which meant we could respond to more patients during the height of the pandemic. Post COVID, and with this additional asset at our disposal (and now with several years’ experience in operating our response cars), we decided to launch two trial projects to investigate if we could reach and treat more patients by utilising our crews and this extra CCC in a slightly different way.

The ‘IMPACT’ project was launched in 2022 to see if, by adjusting the composition of our Exeter based crew from three (a doctor and two advanced paramedics) to two (a doctor and one advanced paramedic) during their daytime shift, we could ‘free up’ a paramedic without impacting on the service. At the same time, the ‘SOLO’ project looked at what difference that

Robert Bertram, CEO (centre left) and Micheal Henriques, Chair (left) from the Help Appeal, formally launch the expanded fleet with Matthew Bell (centre right) & Darren Goodwin (right), DAA.

‘additional’ advanced paramedic could deliver by operating a Critical Care Car on their own, when focussed within higher demand ‘hot spots’ such as busy city centres.

These year-long trial projects have clearly answered those questions; firstly, the ‘IMPACT’ project demonstrated that we were able to adjust the daytime crew composition at our Exeter airbase from three to two people without affecting the level or quality of our service. Secondly, the paramedics now operating the additional Critical Care Car in the ‘SOLO’ project were able to operate effectively and safely on their own and results showed they were tasked to an additional 294 incidents and attended 196 patients in more densely populated areas of Torbay and Plymouth during the trial period.

Having demonstrated that with careful planning and management we can use the Critical Car Cars to enhance our response within Devon, we soon set about looking at ways we might be able to fund the investment needed to develop our road-based resources. To that end, we are extremely grateful to the HELP Appeal for helping us realise this ambition by generously funding the purchase and fit out of the two new Critical Care Cars.

Whilst we are a helicopter-led, pre-hospital emergency service, these additional Critical Care Cars will give us the scope and flexibility to tailor our service which will ultimately mean we can meet local needs and provide the best possible service for the people of Devon.”

Last year, Devon Air Ambulance responded to 814 incidents by Critical Care Car which underlines the vital role they play in the Charity’s emergency response in Devon.

Sharing the CLS love in Brixham with our neighbours from DSAA

DAA on location

We respond to incidents and accidents across our beautiful county of Devon and you’ll also find us out and about in your local community.

Junior Crew line up for their ‘heli shot’ at the launch of our 200th community Landing Site in Fremington

Barnstaple volunteers pose for a group shot

Josh has a chuckle outside Exeter Cathedral

Captain James Benson snapped this purrfect pic

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

The huge success of our CPR and defibrillator training sessions have equipped over 400 people with the skills needed to improve cardiac survival rates.

Will you sign up to help with all your heart?

We are incredibly pleased to announce that we are about to launch the next exciting phase of our Help With All Your Heart Campaign.

Throughout 2022 and 2023 our crew delivered CPR and defibrillator training to over 600 members of the public, highlighting the overwhelming local interest in these sessions and the vital role they can play in improving survival rates.

We will continue to focus on cardiac arrest awareness during 2024 as this is still the number one medical emergency that our crews are called to. In 2023 they responded to 395 calls reporting a patient suffering a cardiac arrest, an increase from 360 in 2022 and 315 in 2021.

This year brings an opportunity for us to share our knowledge with even more people, and we are proud to introduce our team of ‘Help With All Your Heart’ volunteers who have been trained by our Critical Care Paramedics

to deliver all of the necessary information and techniques needed to help

save a life.

This enthusiastic team are dedicated to delivering vital training to communities throughout Devon and will be available to visit public venues, workplaces, clubs, colleges and community groups - many of which may have had a defibrillator recently fitted in the local area and are keen to find out exactly what they can do to help someone in need.

We have received fantastic feedback from training session participants, with 100% of those who responded to our survey stating that the session ‘exceeded their expectations’ and that they would recommend it to their friends.

It is a proven fact that the outcome for someone in cardiac arrest is much improved if a bystander or loved one has stepped in to help by giving chest compressions and/or use a defibrillator before the emergency services arrive. 

Throughout 2022 and 2023 our crew delivered CPR and defibrillator training to over 600 members of the public, highlighting the overwhelming local interest in these sessions and the vital role they can play in improving survival rates.

”

72%

Did you know know? of Cardiac Arrests happen at home

You never know when this training could prove invaluable. We urge you to register your interest in attending a future session or get in touch at comms@daat.org if you would like to arrange for our ‘Help With All Your Heart’ team to visit you.

in the workplace 15%

We can accommodate between 20-30 people at each session. Sign up & get trained

Our Son. Our Hero.

17-year-old Vinny performed lifesaving CPR for 14 long minutes on his mum who suffered a cardiac arrest.

Early in the morning on September 22nd, 2023, Samantha Ungi and her family started a typical day. She dropped her middle son, Curtis, 15, off at school and returned home with her youngest, John-Paul, who attended the school she worked at. Sam was supposed to be getting ready and heading in to work, taking JP to school with her, but she began to feel very sick. Sam asked her eldest son, Vinny, to stay home with her instead of going to Sixth Form because she was feeling so unwell, and it was then that she decided to take herself back to bed.

Not long after heading up to bed to rest, Vinny recalls being called upstairs by his mum but when he entered her bedroom, he could see that she was unconscious and not breathing. Sam had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Vinny immediately called 999 and with 12-year-old JohnPaul’s help, the two boys followed the instructions of the call handler, gently lowering their mum from her bed onto the floor. 17-year-old Vinny then began performing CPR, delivering chest compressions which would help to keep blood circulating to Samantha’s brain and vital organs. Vinny did an amazing job, continuing to do this for 14 minutes until the land ambulance arrived. During this time, Vinny had also called his dad, John, to

let him know what was happening so that he could make his way home from work in Exeter.

Shortly after the land ambulance arrived, our critical care crew were also on the scene. Our doctor was able to take over Samantha’s breathing by conducting an intervention called intubation. Once this delicate and highly specialised procedure was complete, Sam was prepared to be transferred to Torbay Hospital by land ambulance, accompanied by our crew. On arrival, she was rushed into surgery.

Sam had a stent fitted and was placed into an induced coma to allow her body to heal and to ensure the best chance of recovery. It was a tense time for the whole family but after several failed attempts to wake her, Sam regained consciousness and within just one week, was up and about with minimal lasting damage.

Sam said: ‘I would like to thank the Devon Air Ambulance crew; without their dedication and hard work I would not be here to tell my story. I am extremely grateful that they flew to me so quickly that morning. Even though I didn’t fly to hospital in the helicopter, the expertise of the crew kept me stable on my journey in the land ambulance. I will forever be indebted to them all.’

‘As a family we are so thankful and so proud of Vinny for giving me the best chance of survival, his CPR was phenomenal (his school having the forethought to teach it). Our Hero. Always.

John-Paul was also very brave and that is one thing I will never forget. Curtis may not have been at home that morning, but he supported both his brothers and dad tremendously throughout.’

During her week in the Intensive Care Unit, Sam’s family from Torquay and Liverpool never left her side. Sam’s partner John had even made a promise to her family that as soon as he could, he would finally marry her: Samantha Ungi became Samantha Poynton on January 13, 2024.

Airbase to visit our Patient and Family Support Team and see the air ambulance up close. Samantha’s youngest son, John-Paul, thoroughly enjoyed this experience and said ‘The helicopter was excellent! It was so fun being able to sit in the helicopter for the first time.’

Since receiving the news that I was incredibly lucky to be alive, John promised my brother when I was in hospital that, if I survived, he would marry me. So, on the 13th of January we were married.

“ ”

Sam said: ‘Since receiving the news that I was incredibly lucky to be alive, John promised my brother when I was in hospital that, if I survived, he would marry me. So, on the 13th of January we were married. John, the three boys and I had the most magical, perfect day together. Just the five of us. Vinny my hero walked me down the aisle, Curtis was Johns best man, giving the most amazing speech and John-Paul was our ring bearer.

Without Devon Air Ambulance, we could not have celebrated this wonderful occasion.’

Recently, the Poynton family were invited to DAA’s Eaglescott

Samantha said: ‘It was an honour to meet all the staff at the Airbase. I will forever be grateful for all the hard work they do, and they all hold a special place in my heart. Our visit to the airbase was perfect, and I appreciate all the staff for putting on a lovely visit for us.’

Curtis added: ‘It was important to meet the people who didn’t just save my mums life but saved all of us.’

Whilst at the airbase, Vinny and John-Paul were presented with certificates to recognise the quick thinking and bravery that saved their mum’s life. Reflecting on this visit, Vinny remarked: ‘It was an amazing experience to be able to meet the team, they are all very kind people.’ 

‘To my Mum, I thank you for giving up everything to come down from Liverpool and look after me and to make sure John and the boys were ok. I will never forget what you did for us. And my brother Carl, who took care of John and the boys when I could not. Lastly, I thank my wonderful husband John, I could not have gotten through this without you. You are my rock; my best friend and I would be lost without you.’

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Chain of Survival

Sign up for job alerts

Sign

charity!

Our new careers pages provides an easy way to apply for current roles and to find out more about what it’s like to work at Devon Air Ambulance.

Designed in collaboration with Hireful, we have integrated videos, photos and testimonials so you can learn more about the Devon Air Ambulance culture, the benefits we offer, as well as information about our interview process and some tips on how to apply.

Whatever your area of expertise, sign up for job alerts at the bottom of each page to ensure you never miss an opportunity to apply to join our amazing team!

Visit our careers pages at careers.daat.org

A Lasting Legacy...

Leave a lasting tribute

n the heart of Devon, amidst its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, lies a story of love, loss, and unwavering dedication to saving lives. It is the story of Ann Ralli, a mother who turned personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for her community and the county of Devon, a lasting tribute to

Ceri was tragically hit by a vehicle when travelling on his bike at just 18 years old. Ann asked at the hospital what could have been done to save her son’s life; she learned that the speed at which specialist treatment is received by the patient could make

From the depths of her grief emerged Devon Air Ambulance, a lifeline for those in urgent need of time critical medical assistance. Ann spent six years holding countless fundraisers, liaising with many council, health, and aviation officials, and gaining the vital support of those in her local community and across Devon before the charity, and its services, were officially

As Devon Air Ambulance continues its mission to serve the community, we are delighted to unveil our new offering that pays homage to Ceri’s memory while empowering others to

Ann at Exeter Catherdral for the blessing of the air ambulance service in 1992

Our new in-memory page provides a meaningful way for supporters to honour the memories of their loved ones while contributing to the vital work of our air ambulance service.

Whether you have been personally touched by the lifesaving efforts of Devon Air Ambulance or simply want to honor the memory of a loved one, there are many ways to get involved:

1. Create a Tribute - Friends and family can create personalised tribute pages on our website dedicated to their loved ones. This will create digital memorials, remembering our loved ones together with family and friends. Visit: www.daat.org/in-memory

2. Our Memory Garden is available to share a photo of your loved one with a message dedicated to them, staying in our digital garden for evermore.

3. Make a Donation - Family and friends can make one-time or recurring donations in honour of their loved ones. These contributions directly support the operation of Devon Air Ambulance, ensuring that life saving services remain available to all who need them.

Could you help continue the story of DAA and consider leaving a lasting legacy of your own, by leaving a gift in your will to Devon Air Ambulance?

Leaving a gift to our service in your will is an incredibly special kind of giving and a wonderful opportunity to do something positive in your lifetime. Not only are you helping us to plan for the future of our service, but you are making a significant difference to the lives of others.

A local producer that gives our lifesaving service a boost

Owens Coffee has been roasting 100% certified organic and fairtrade coffee since 2010 and was the first dedicated organic coffee roaster in the South-West.

At their energy-efficient production facility, shop and café off the A38, the Owens team welcomes visitors to experience tours, demonstrations, barista training, coffee experiences, and cupping sessions. Owens also offers unique experiences including a Home Barista Masterclass, a Latte Art Course and a Coffee Tasting & Brewing Course - each taught by the Roastery’s expert training team.

Owen’s fairtrade and organic coffee has partnered with Devon Air Ambulance to produce Crew’s Brew - a whole bean and a ground coffee that boosts charity income with all profits from the sale of each pack going back into supporting the service.

An ethical local supplier

Sustainability is at the core of Owens Coffee’s mission, which means looking after the environment and communities involved in producing the coffee.

Crew’s Brew coffee beans are grown by organic coffee farmers in Honduras and Peru and are 100% organic and Fairtrade certified arabica coffee beans that are a bold and fruity, medium-dark roasted coffee blend. The Crew’s Brew bean is roasted slightly darker to bring out notes of fruit, smoke and earth and is great for espresso brewing methods and as a filter coffee.

Because the organic arabica beans are shade-grown at higher altitudes beneath the canopies of other trees and planting, such as bananas, it is a slower-ripening bean, and boasts a full flavour profile, without using herbicides, which are prohibited by organic standards. Instead, organic farmers aim to use the natural enemies of pests to control their numbers.

The Devon Air Ambulance Crew’s Brew coffee produced by Owens Coffee is certified organic by the national Soil Association for full traceability. It is also Fairtrade certified, which not only guarantees a fair price is paid to the farmers and their workers

for the beans, but it also provides an additional Fairtrade Premium for farmers to invest as they see fit. The Fairtrade certification is backed by a global organisation that offers highquality advice, supports growth, and helps combat the impact of climate change.

Over in the Ivybridge Roastery, beans are clean-roasted using one of the most energy-efficient roasters in the world, using 80% less energy than traditional roasting equipment. With fewer emissions throughout the roasting process, flavour is locked in. 

Interested in trying our Crew’s Brew coffee?

Pop into any of our high street charity shops or pick up a bag online by visiting: shopdaat.org

Photo © Steve Haywood Photography

D

EVON AIR AMBULA N EC Proudto Support BUSINESSES ON BOARD

Becoming one of our

Corporate Partners

couldn’t be easier!

In 2023, over £116,000 was raised by local businesses across Devon, an amazing achievement!

Devon Air Ambulance allows business supporters to explore opportunities, engage with staff, and enhance reputation by working with a local charity. Here are just a few of the ways a business partnership can work.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US: HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU:

• Through employee fundraising, challenge events and volunteering

• Through cause-related marketing and commercial partnerships

• By match-funding

• Through gifts in kind, Payroll Giving or joining our weekly lottery through payroll

• Through donation stations for our retail shops

• We can offer guidance with all areas of your fundraising

• By providing promotional materials such as t-shirts collections tins, banners and more

• By promoting your brand through social media and press

• Potentially featuring in our bi-annual Helipad magazine or by being included in our monthly supporters’ eNewsletter

• Through lunch and learn opportunities

• With CPR demonstrations for your team

This issue, we would also like to welcome aboard some of our business partners in 2024

DAA are always looking for ways to reduce costs and thanks to Sculpher Photography, we’ve been just able to do that. Marcus from Sculpher Photography kindly offered his services to us free of charge at our recent Volunteer Away Day, a supporters Charity Ball and our very own DAA Christmas party. We couldn’t have done it without you so THANK YOU!

A big thank you to DISCUS for a decade of support!

DISC helps to measure four core personality factors: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. This tool has helped to support successful recruitment, team building and relationship development at DAA for the past ten years.

To find out more about DISCUS, visit their website www.discusonline.com

If you’re interested in supporting us, please contact Tracy Owen, Corporate Partnership Manager at: t.owen@daat.org or call: 07494 292384

BUSINESSES ON BOARD

CASE STUDY

Marley Comms is a business that has been supporting us for several years. Here are a few of the inspiring ways they have championed our service.

Devon Air Ambulance is a charity that exists entirely thanks to the passion and commitment of thousands of supporters, which includes, of course, a great many business supporters across Devon and neighbouring counties.

Marley Comms joined us as a supporting business in 2016, initially providing us with free communications support for events such as the Commando Challenge. More recently, Marley Comms supported our IT function by providing Wi-Fi at big events free of charge, and discounted installation of Wi-Fi equipment at the charity’s headquarters, airbases and retail shops across Devon, as well as providing DAA with monitoring and support for the equipment they have installed. Furthermore, Marley Comms has provided support in many ways over the years including:

• Sponsoring DAA’s Help with All Your Heart SPR campaign with Radio Exe,

• Championing a hole at a DAA Golf Day at Saunton Sands Hotels,

• Purchasing a hospitality table and sponsoring a race at the 2023 DAA Race Day,

• Donating the main prize of £1450 for this year’s Summer Raffle.

Paul Murray, Managing Director of Marley Comms said, ‘To feel that Marley Comms helps with saving lives - even in a small way - makes me extremely proud. I cannot see a future without Devon Air Ambulance in it from a personal or from a company point of view. We are insanely proud to support you and we always will be.’

The Marley Comms team at their most recent away day

Prize Crossword

Thank you to everyone who entered our Helipad Prize Crossword in the Autumn/Winter 2023 issue. Mr Les Hewitt was drawn from entrants and the winner of a £50 voucher for a meal at the Beer Engine Pub in Newton St Cyres near Exeter.

This time, the lucky winning entrant of our Spring/Summer edition Crossword will win a case of Chopper Ale, kindly donated by Torbay’s award-winning Bays Brewery. We hope you enjoy this new Crossword.

Clues Across

1 A bird that lays its eggs in other birds’ nests (6)

4 Beloved holiday home of Dame Agatha Christie (8)

10 Famous partner of dancer Ginger (7)

11 A narrow strip of land with water on either side (7)

12 A pit or hollow that collects liquids, perhaps in a mine or a cave (4)

13 The wobble treat that literally means ‘white eat’ (10)

15 Listened to conversations between others not intended for you to hear (9)

16 What position you finish in to win a bronze medal (5)

18 Possessed something (5)

19 The science of the origin of the universe (9)

21 A thing or person that existed before you did (10)

23 An unarmed combat sport (4)

26 Nationality of Hercule Poirot (7)

27 Sending out light, glowing or shining (7)

28 French word for pieces of furniture with open display shelves (8)

29 Devoid of, or lacking, something (6)

Clues Down

1 Close knit family units, often found in the Scottish Highlands (5)

2 A boat with two hulls (9)

3 Roman poet famous for his verses on love (4)

5 Held royal office as monarch (7)

6 A rough calculation (10)

7 A group of female human beings (5)

8 The day before today (9)

9 Extreme tiredness associated with long distant flight (6)

14 Showing a strong desire for revenge (10)

15 Using the technical language of ecology to make the user seem more ecologically aware (9)

17 Immunise against a disease (9)

19 A modulation in the voice or a sequence of musical notes (7)

20 America comedy actor Ms Bullock (6)

22 City in Oklahoma (5)

24 A group of eight (5)

25 A tool similar to an axe with an arched blade (4)

How to enter (and terms and conditions)

Complete the crossword to reveal the letters in the shaded boxes – simply solve the anagram to identify a word relating to DAA.

Enter online at www.daat.org/crossword-competition-summer-2024 or by writing your name, contact details and the answer on a postcard and posting to : The Editor, Helipad Crossword Competition Spring 2024, Devon Air Ambulance, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter, EX4 8NS.

The competition is free to enter, one entry per person.

The closing date for entries to be received is midnight on 30 September, 2024 when the successful winning entry will be selected at random.

Full Terms and Conditions can be found at: www.daat.org/crossword-summer-2024-terms-and-conditions or by writing to The Editor at the above address

Making a Regular Donation

Your generous support keeps Devon Air Ambulance crews responding –to make a regular donation, please complete the attached Direct Debit form or follow instructions on the main menu of our website home page.

Keeping in Touch

There are many ways to contact the team at Devon Air Ambulance:

www.daat.org – You’ll find lots of information about the Charity and our service on our website.

If you’ve been airlifted or helped by us, go to our Your Patient Story page and tell us your story. www.daat.org/your-story

For all sorts of fundraising advice and event information, visit our Get Involved pages. www.daat.org/fundraising

Please fill out all boxes in the form with a ball-point pen and send it to: Devon Air Ambulance Trust, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS

Instruction to your bank or building society

Please pay Devon Air Ambulance Regular Direct Debits from the account detailed in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this Instruction may remain with Devon Air Ambulance Regular and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my bank/building society.

Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

If you’ve been assisted by DAA, and want to thank the crew visit our Thank the Crew page on our operational website. www.daatcl.co.uk/thank-the-crew

Email us at info@daat.org

01392 466666

Write to us at 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS

Bank/Building Society account number

Branch sort code

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society

To: The Manager of

Address Bank/Building Society

Postcode

Signature(s)

Date

Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions from some types of account

Please now complete your details below

Name

Address

Telephone

Email

Postcode

I wish to give Devon Air Ambulance Trust a donation of £ per month/quarter/year (delete as appropriate)

Please take Direct Debits on 6th/20th of the month (delete as appropriate)

I wish to give Devon Air Ambulance Trust a donation of £ per month/quarter/year (delete as appropriate) Please take Direct Debits on 6th/20th of the month (delete as appropriate)

We take your personal data seriously and do not sell on or share with any third party. If you would like to receive our Helipad magazine or occasional information about the Charity please tick: Post ¨ Email ¨

We take your personal data seriously and do not sell on or share with any third party. If you would like to receive our Helipad magazine or occasional information about the Charity please tick: Post ¨ Email ¨ Telephone ¨ SMS Message ¨

¨ I want to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ to Devon Air Ambulance

¨ I want to Gift Aid my donation of £ ___________ to Devon Air Ambulance

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Please notify the charity if you:

Please notify the charity if you:

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I confirm I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. ¨

I confirm I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax in the current tax year than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations it is my responsibility to pay any difference. ¨

This guarantee should be detached and retained by the payee

A ‘novel’ way to fundraise

How is former Helipad Editor, Ali Simpson, celebrating the publication of her debut novel? By raising money for DAA!

When Helipad’s former Editor, Ali Simpson, laid down her pen and retired at the end of 2022 she decided that it was the right time to fulfil an ambition she had held for forty-five years – to write her first novel!

Ali takes up the story. ‘My ambition was always to write and publish a novel, and I am delighted that I have been able to fulfil that lifelong dream.

If you love warm-hearted, classic ‘chick lit’ – strong and sassy female characters, with the relationships between friends and families playing a key role, along with a slow-burning love story, then I hope you will enjoy ‘The Matchmaker, the Milliner and the Man from Maastricht’. Told in a series of uplifting and witty letters and emails between the main characters, the story is about finding friendship and love across cultures and continents – set largely in Africa, it’s the perfect read for summer!”

Ali added, At its heart, this book is about love but don’t be put off if you think all romance novels are just about sultry Sheiks,

brooding Counts and dashing Doctors! My novel has a modern, contemporary yet exotic setting with a vein of humour running through it.

With her novel now for sale in bookshops and online, Ali decided to use the opportunity of its publication to do some fundraising for Devon Air Ambulance.

Ali added, Having worked at Devon Air Ambulance for six years, I know the amazing lifesaving work they do, all paid for by the hard work of their supporters and fundraisers. I hope I can raise lots of money through the sale of my book to say ‘thank you’ for everything they do and for all the thousands of people who have been helped over the years’. 

For every paperback copy of ‘The Matchmaker, the Milliner and the Man from Maastricht’ bought direct from Troubadour Publishing between now and the end of 2024, Ali will donate £2 to DAA.

To purchase a copy, go to the Troubadour Publishing website www.troubadour.co.uk and search, Ali Simpson.

To find out more visit www.alisimpson.co.uk

Praise for Ali’s book... This was a wonderful book. The style was so different but worked incredibly well, with all the characters having such distinct voices. I loved the love story at its heart but also all the other relationships between young and old, and the African setting was magical too. Would definitely recommend this book. EW, Bristol

Shady CHARACTERS

Gardens shaded by buildings and trees, or just facing in a northerly or easterly direction, can create conundrums for the home gardener as to what best to plant to ensure colour and seasonal interest throughout the year.

There are varying degrees of shade, from deep shade where few plants will thrive, to dappled shade, providing diffused light for maybe a few hours during the day, this will dictate your plant choices and maintenance routines, so all is not lost.

North and east facing walls and fences are a common source of plant choice queries that we receive from our visitors at Rosemoor. A sure-fire winner for these conditions is the selfclinging Hydrangea petiolaris AGM, snowy white flowers in clusters and rich green leaves, which give a bright yellow show in the autumn. For a great display of berries in the autumn, the evergreen Pyracantha ’Orange Glow’ AGM will provide large clusters of bright orange berries, also a great way of enticing birds into your garden as they are loved by sparrows, starlings and finches.

Shade tolerant plants will generally perform well if planted into ground prepared well with the introduction of plenty of organic matter such as homemade compost or leaf mould, this will help to retain moisture and provide a good soil structure.

There are some wonderful, easily sourced and robust plants for a wide range of shady conditions, here is a small selection of my “shady showstoppers”:

Pulmonaria ‘Trevi Fountain’ AGM, clumps of cobalt blue, tinged with red flowers atop open, white speckled leaves throughout spring, great for pollinators!

Anemone x hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ AGM, tall and graceful yellow centred white flowers in profusion throughout the summer and into autumn.

Astilbe ‘Fanal’ (x arendsii) AGM, early summer flowers in rich red plumes with fine cut deep green leaves, flower heads remain as

Richard Wilson RHS Rosemoor Horticulturist

autumnal border architecture.

Deep shade is not necessarily a total loss. Ferns are generally at home in such conditions, Dryopteris erythrosora is a semi evergreen little beauty. Its coppery-pink new growth certainly marks it out and let’s not forget our ever-lovely Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis AGM.

Hopefully, this answers a few difficult questions and has reduced the head scratching a little bit? 

Other things you may want to start thinking about as the summer eases in on us:

• Give your container plants a balanced liquid feed once a month to promote and maintain healthy growth.

• Deadhead roses and herbaceous perennials often, this will keep them flowering throughout the season.

EDITOR’S NOTE

Don’t forget... The used grounds from your Crew’s Brew coffee make a great chemical-free alternative to deter slugs!

I have been at RHS Garden Rosemoor since May 2015 as a member of the Formal Gardens team, responsible for the Cool Garden and one of our two woodland play areas. I live in Fremington and enjoy contributing to a number of voluntary projects including Torrington in Bloom. I run competitively for Torrington AAC, enjoy cycling and am currently walking the SW Coast path during the summer months

Photo: © RHS

Mr Manser, lottery winner in 2022

We are thrilled that the weekly lottery continues to grow year on year, and with 2023 bringing in record-breaking numbers, we can’t wait to continue to champion our lottery in 2024. Join us on this journey! Not a

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Lucky winning numbers are drawn each friday randomly by computer.

Winners are notified by phone and winnings paid directly to your bank account - there is no need to claim.

Results are published on our website and social media pages

‘I’m so pleased with the growth of the lottery and can’t wait to continue sharing the amazing support of our lottery players in 2024. We have some really exciting plans for the year, so join us and find out more on what’s to come!

DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 4NS

The above postal address is all you need when contacting us by post.

DAAT Lottery Office, 5 Sandpiper Court, Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS Tel: 01392 466666 Option 3 or email lottery@daat.org

StaffI/DNumber

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All proceeds go to support the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, charity No 1077998. Your subscription is greatly appreciated as our lottery raised over £2m in 2022 which helps to keep our crews responding. We receive no funding from either the Government or the National Lottery. We rely on your support, to help us to continue our essential lifesaving service.

Results are published every Friday afternoon on our website at: www.daat.org.

Thank you for your support - you are truly making a difference.

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