THE director of an air ambulance service, which covers North Oxfordshire, has appealed for public donations to keep the service running.

Andy Williamson, of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, which is used in emergencies in the Banbury and Brackley areas, was speaking about the crash that could have killed Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond.

Mr Williamson welcomed the news that Hammond was making a speedy recovery, and said it highlighted the importance of helicopters in getting injured patients to hospital quickly.

He said: "Richard's terrible accident shows just how much we need air ambulances.

"We can reach an accident and transport a patient to hospital within minutes. This speed can make the difference between life and death.

"However, these vital services are entirely dependent on donations from the public.

"Anyone looking for a local charity to support this year, should consider Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, so that we can be there when you need us most - just as the Yorkshire crew were there for Richard."

Mr Williamson said his service used the fastest civilian helicopter, carried a doctor on board, and was able give critical care on the ground before taking a patient to hospital - greatly increasing the chances of survival.

He said: "It is fantastic news that Mr Hammond is up and walking already and his progress is testament to the excellent job that air ambulance crews do."

  • Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance was established in October 2003 to provide lifesaving treatment and medication on-site and en-route to hospital.

It costs of £1.4m per year to run, and relies entirely on donations.

Further information is available on www.wnaa.co.uk The WNAA can be contacted by telephone on 02476 639043 or 01604 817143, and its postal address is WNAA, Fire and Rescue Building, Coventry Airport, Baginton, Coventry, CV8 3AZ