The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has launched a new fundraising campaign inviting supporters to play a visible role in its future life-saving missions.
Through the Written in the Sky campaign, individuals can have their name – or the name of someone special to them – displayed on the underside of one of the charity’s new helicopters.
By donating £100 or more, supporters can submit a name to be featured, and they will receive a thank-you letter and a certificate.
As part of the launch, those who choose to include a name on a helicopter will also have the exclusive opportunity to purchase a limited-edition commemorative coin for £10.
This keepsake has been produced in recognition of the incredible community of people who help keep the charity’s helicopters flying and the crew ready to respond.
The campaign forms a key part of Operation SOS, the charity’s most ambitious appeal to date, which aims to raise £2.5 million to secure the deposit for a vital third helicopter.
Their current aircraft, which are Dauphin N3 and Dauphin N3+ helicopters, have responded to thousands of life-saving missions, but due to parts shortages, ever-rising maintenance costs, and extended downtime, it has become increasingly challenging to operate them.
As demand for their service continues to grow, the charity has designed the blueprints for a stronger future, investing in three state-of-the-art helicopters called Airbus H145 D2.
Through careful financial planning, the charity already has the deposits for the first two aircraft, however, they urgently need public support to fund the deposit for a crucial third helicopter.
Returning to a three-helicopter fleet will ensure GNAAS’ critical care team are always ready to respond by air, even when one aircraft is temporarily out of action for maintenance.
Phil Lambert, chief pilot at GNAAS, said:
“With only two helicopters, we live on a knife-edge. If one is in maintenance and the other develops a fault, we’re grounded and that means we can’t answer a 999 call by helicopter.”
At the time of writing, the charity had raised 26 per cent of their fundraising goal, thanks to the generosity of the public, community groups, and businesses who have donated in support of Operation SOS.
Joe Garcia MBE, chief executive officer at GNAAS, said:
“Surpassing £500,000 in the first three months of Operation SOS is an incredible achievement and a powerful demonstration of the trust and generosity shown by our supporters.”
Nearly £2 million still needs to be raised before the end of 2026 to meet the campaign target and GNAAS are calling on communities, businesses, and individuals to support Written in the Sky and help secure the future of its life-saving service.
Visit https://gna.as/written2026 for full details, naming guidelines and terms and conditions.
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