Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) are celebrating their local community this week, by launching their very first 'thank-a-thon' to thank those who keep the local lifesaving service running for the people of Bath and North East Somerset.

From Monday 19 to Friday 24 October the GWAAC team will be reaching out to local people to say thank you for keeping the local air ambulance flying. From the charity's dedicated volunteers to their corporate sponsors, and all the individuals who go the extra mile to ensure that the GWAAC crew can be there for those in urgent need, every single day - they say thank you.

From January to September this year, the charity's specialist doctors and paramedics have been called to over 80 critically ill or injured patients across Bath and North East Somerset alone. The crew bring the lifesaving skills of a hospital emergency department directly to the scene of those in need. Each mission they attend costs around £2,000, and would not be possible without the vital donations they receive.

GWAAC's CEO, Anna Perry, said: "One of our core values at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is that we are grateful for the support we receive. Our supporters are the beating heart of our charity and the service we provide; we never fail to be amazed by the generosity of our local community. This week is a wonderful opportunity for the entire GWAAC team to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for making our lifesaving work possible."

Throughout the 'thank-a-thon' week, GWAAC's team will be hitting the phones and filling up the post box to reach out to local people like Keith Wilson and his fellow club members at Bath Motor Club who have supported GWAAC as their chosen charity since 2015, raising much-needed funds to help keep Helimed 65 flying. Each year, the Club ask for donations as part of entries to their Aquae Sulis grand tour and have raised over £2,700 to date. The Club's ongoing support has already paid for one of GWAAC's lifesaving missions.

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity's crew have adapted to changing circumstances, remaining right here and ready to respond to those in need.

The charity receives no day-to-day funding from the NHS or Government, and relies on the generosity of the communities it serves to keep it flying.

Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care, Jack Kilminster said: "Throughout the pandemic all of us have been taken aback by the kind support of local businesses and the public we serve. These have been tough times for all and we could not provide the service we do without the good will of GWAAC's volunteers and supporters. Whether you are a life-long supporter, you play the lottery, participate in fundraising events or make a one-off donation, you help save lives across the region. On behalf of all the clinical team, we give our whole-hearted thanks."

If you would like to find out more about your local air ambulance and the work it does, or get involved in supporting the charity, visit www.gwaac.com or follow Great Western Air Ambulance Charity on social media by searching for @GWAAC.