MEMBERS of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Friends scheme enjoyed a tour of the air ambulance’s Operations Centre at Devizes.

Life members Ken and Beryl Day, of Trowbridge, and Dennis and Marion Davies, of Calne, were given a presentation about the history of Wiltshire Air Ambulance (WAA) and shown a moving film featuring patients airlifted by the helicopter.

They also saw the helicopter take off to go to an emergency incident.

Mr and Mrs Day became Life members after Mrs Day, 75, was airlifted by WAA when she suffered a heart attack at her home in July 2014.

Mrs Day said: “Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a fantastic service. You never know when it’s going to be needed.”

Mr Day said: “Had it not been for Wiltshire Air Ambulance I wouldn’t have a wife. I’m most grateful to the crew who came to her aid.”

Mr and Mrs Davies have supported WAA for six years and became Life members in January this year.

The couple who own tour company Marden Travel are raising money for WAA by asking customers who go on their tours to make a donation. They are retiring in November this year and have pledged to match fund what their customers give.

Mr Davies said: “As tour operators all over Europe we have seen other air ambulances in operation and we wish to support our local one as much as we can. We hope our customers join us in supporting Wiltshire Air Ambulance.”

Since launching its Friends scheme in August 2013 WAA now has almost 200 members, providing the charity with regular income. There is a range of Friends memberships, from £3 monthly to Life memberships. Friends receive an exclusive lapel badge and car sticker and an invitation to an annual Friends event.

Karen Gambrell, Trusts and Legacy Manager at WAA, said: “Friends of Wiltshire Air Ambulance play a vital role in helping us to save as many lives as possible across Wiltshire. Their donations could be used to help purchase equipment or kit for the helicopter, provide additional training for our paramedics or simply fund essential items such as aviation fuel to keep us flying.

“We were delighted to welcome some of our Life members to the Operations Centre so they could see the difference their support makes to the charity. We will be organising visits for other Life members.”

For a Friends application form visit www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk, call 01380 739453 or visit the Wiltshire Air Ambulance Supporters’ Shop in Maristow Street, Westbury.

Photo caption: WAA Life Friends members Ken and Beryl Day (left), Marion and Dennis Davies with WAA Critical Care Paramedic Louise Cox in front of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.