Throughout 2017, we are backing a campaign by Wiltshire Air Ambulance to raise the remaining £1.25m needed to complete its new airbase.

SUPPORTERS of Wiltshire Air Ambulance can take their fundraising to new heights by taking part in a skydive for the charity’s Airbase Appeal.

The skydive will take place on Sunday, June 4, at Old Sarum airfield, Salisbury, and participants will jump in tandem with an experienced, professional skydiver from 10,000 feet.

The sponsorship raised by the jumpers will go to the charity’s Airbase Appeal, which is raising £1.25m to complete the building and equipping of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s new airbase at Semington, near Melksham.

One of those who is taking part is John Collins, of Trowbridge, who undertook a skydive for Wiltshire Air Ambulance in August 2015 at Netheravon.

Shortly afterwards he became a volunteer with Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

John, who works as a butcher, said: “The skydive I did was brilliant. Looking at the scenery from that high up was awesome.

"I found raising the sponsorship was straightforward. When people realised I was raising money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance they were quite willing to donate and I raised about £600.

“I’ve wanted to do another skydive and when I heard the charity was organising one to raise money for the new airbase I signed up. I enjoy being a volunteer with Wiltshire Air Ambulance. It’s good fun and the volunteers, charity team and aircrew are a great bunch of people.

"The new airbase will be custom-built and benefit the whole county for years to come.”

Also taking part will be Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity Team member Hollie Perryman, who said: “I’ve always wanted to do a skydive and it’s great to give something back to Wiltshire Air Ambulance as it has attended family members and friends of mine.”

Cheryl Johnson, head of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Airbase Appeal, said: “We are delighted to offer this skydiving event to raise funds for our Airbase Appeal.

"Not only will you experience the dramatic scenery of Salisbury Plain from 10,000 feet, but you will also be helping us build a better future for your air ambulance by raising funds to complete our new airbase.

“Previous skydives undertaken for Wiltshire Air Ambulance have proved very popular and those who have taken part describe it as an exhilarating experience.”

For more information call the charity team on 01380 739453 or visit www.wiltshireairbaseappeal.co.uk/support-our-appeal/get-fundraising/

To donate to the Airbase Appeal text BASE17 and the amount you would like to donate to 70070, email hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk or call the charity team on 01380 739453.