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THAMES Valley Air Ambulance has launched a new campaign, Your Name on Board, which allows supporters to add their name to the underside of the charity’s red helicopter.
The appeal will grant 1,000 people the chance to see their name take flight with every helicopter mission.
For £150 supporters can add their name, or the name of a loved one, to the aircraft for two years.
The first name on this very special roll call will be 11-year-old Edith Williams, whose family are fronting the Your Name on Board campaign.
When Edith was just three years old, she was diagnosed with Alexander Disease, a rare degenerative illness for which there is no cure. At one point, Edith would stop breathing around three times a week.
In 2021, Edith suffered a seizure which lasted more than four hours and took her movement away.
She is now a wheelchair user.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance crews have attended Edith three times in her young life. Including once during a family outing to a busy café in Didcot, when Edith stopped breathing.
Sarah Williams, mum to Edith, said: “When Thames Valley Air Ambulance arrive on scene, I suddenly feel very safe.
“It means I can go back to being Edith’s mummy again–Edith is stable at the moment, but you just never know what this disease might take from her next.
“That’s why we make the most of every single day with Edith. We make sure every day is filled with a little bit of love and we will never give up hope.
“We want to give her the very best life possible–she deserves it.
“For us, needing the Thames Valley Air Ambulance crew isn’t a once in a lifetime event.
“That’s why we’ll never stop supporting this fantastic charity, and we hope that anyone reading this will find it in their hearts to donate towards the lifesaving care that people like Edith rely so much upon.”
Andy Holland, Director of Engagement at Thames Valley Air Ambulance, said: “Edith and her whole family are so inspiring, finding hope despite everything they’ve faced.
“That’s why we felt it was fitting to have Edith’s name soaring above our community, bringing lifesaving care to people who need it.
“We know so many people have been touched by our service in some way and we’re excited to offer the chance to put a name alongside Edith’s with this new campaign.
“Every name will tell a story. It’s a wonderful way to show your support for our charity, or to remember someone you hold in your heart.”
More information about how to help fund lifesaving care is available via: tvairambulance.org.uk/your-name
