Help us keep families together this christmas

This week, we launched our Christmas Appeal, asking the community to help keep loved ones together this Christmas.

The appeal features former patient Roy and his wife Alison and shows the difference our paramedics and doctors can make to people in urgent need of critical care. The campaign is supported by an interactive video where people can step inside the scene of an emergency.

Roy, who suffered a cardiac arrest at home in January this year, said:

“Until my cardiac arrest, I didn’t know Thames Valley Air Ambulance was a charity. Without the care they gave me that day, I might not be here this Christmas.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be part of their Christmas Appeal, helping raise funds to give other people like me the best chance of survival and recovery. The new interactive video helps bring my story to life and shows people the difference their donation could make to a family like ours.”

Doctor Asher Lewisohn said:

“At Thames Valley Air Ambulance, we treat the most critically ill and injured patients, bringing them the care they need when every second counts. With the advanced procedures and drugs we were able to administer, we truly brought the hospital to Roy’s house that day.

“Medical emergencies don’t stop for Christmas, so neither do we. Our crew work 365 days a year to keep you safe. By donating this Christmas, you will help us protect families in your community – it could be the best gift you give.”

By donating this Christmas, you will help us protect families in your community – it could be the best gift you give.

Doctor Asher Lewisohn

The virtual tour and interactive platform element was created by View It 360, a 360° media specialist company.

Noel Sexton, Director of View It 360, said:

“Our innovative 360-degree virtual tour allows Thames Valley Air Ambulance to put their supporters at the scene of an emergency. We are proud to be part of this Christmas Appeal and hope it will show people the difference their donations can make.”

To protect Roy and Alison’s privacy, the scene was recreated using a show home offered pro bono by David Wilson Homes.

Campbell Gregg, Managing Director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said:

“When an accident or emergency happens at home, our whole world can be turned upside down. David Wilson Homes is a supporter of Thames Valley Air Ambulance and, by opening our doors for filming, we were happy to be able to give something back to a charity that works so hard to protect our community.”