Bumper crowd at helicopter Open Day
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A record crowd flocked to the Surrey
Air Ambulance Open Day on Sunday, helping to raise more than £10,000 for the
life-saving charity.
About 6,000 visitors turned out for
the annual event at
Pilots, doctors and paramedics
signed autographs for members of the public who were given a guided tour of the
aircraft which can reach patients within minutes.
There was also a visit from the
Sussex Police helicopter, Hotel 900, and pleasure flights courtesy of London
Helicopter Centre.
Surrey Air Ambulance County
Fundraiser Julie Jenkinson said: “This year we exceeded all expectations so a
huge thanks must go to all those who came and supported us and our sponsors and
volunteers.
“From beginning to end there was so
much to do and we will strive to make it even bigger and better next year when
it will be held on June 12.”
Attractions included crash scene
displays, rescue enactments, tours of a Boeing 747, Rolls Royce rides, a Pimm’s
tent and music from the Pantastic steel band.
There was also a special visit from
the Daleks, a hog roast and barbecue while the children enjoyed a funfair, face
painting and a small animal petting farm.
One lucky woman from Southwater won
a helicopter ride for two in the grand raffle, allowing her to fly over her
mother’s home in nearby
She was joined by former West Sussex
County Fundraiser Delaine Shearman who was given a flight as a leaving present
from colleagues after more than three years’
service.
Raffle prizes also included a
gliding lesson and a family ticket to Wings and Wheels at
A handmade quilt in the blue and
white colours of the Surrey Air Ambulance was also donated by the Thameside
Sewing Bees.
Cash from the third Dunsfold Open
Day will go towards the £1.7m-a-year cost of keeping the helicopter airborne.
Each flying mission alone costs between £1,500 and
£2,000.
