A busy air ambulance service providing a vital emergency cover across the North East has made an urgent appeal for more funding as it faces the “frightening” prospect of running at a deficit.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is calling on members of the public for help in raising funds needed to keep them operational, as call-outs reach an all-time high.
The appeal has been backed by the region’s MPs, with one - Labour's Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham - calling on the Government to re-examine funding models for ambulance services, which rely on charity. 
The GNNAS responded to more than 2,100 incidents across the region last year and needs to raise £8.5m annually to be able to maintain 24/7 critical care.
In January, the service celebrated a year of providing critical care 24/7 in the North East. It also expanded its all-night rapid response vehicle service in Cumbria to four nights a week, meaning the service is even closer to providing 24/7 cover across the whole of the region.
GNAAS chief executive David Stockton said: “Unfortunately, these essential expansions mean that we need to raise even more funds than before to keep our live-saving service running.
“The frightening truth is that for 2024 we are predicting to run at a deficit. This means we will have to go into our limited reserves just to keep the charity flying this year.
“The life of a charity-funded service can be a tumultuous one, but it usually brings about the most amazing support from the general public.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering enthusiasm of our supporters who dream up amazing challenges to raise funds, or our past patients, who share their experiences so that we can spread our life-saving message, or our loyal volunteers who have donated more than 45,000 minutes of their time in 2023, helping to raise much-needed income and awareness.”
Darlington’s Conservative MP Peter Gibson offered his support, saying: “Our air ambulances are an amazing service reliant on public support just like RNLI, and mountain rescue teams.
“I would encourage everyone to support GNAAS and other services which provide vital support to people at their time of need.”
Stockton North Labour MP Alex Cunningham said: "The GNAAS provides a critical and vital service throughout the region. The service saves lives and many people across the Tees Valley owe their lives to the outstanding work of the Air Ambulance.
"While I would absolutely encourage everyone who can donate to do so, the cost-of-living crisis and the rise in household bills will have already played its part in limiting donations.
"Clearly, it is time for Government to look again at funding models for Air Ambulance provision.
"Such a vital service needs to be protected when so many people in crisis rely on the rapid response of the Air Ambulance for their very survival. "
The charity provides air ambulance services mainly in hours of daylight, while on a night-time, a highly skilled paramedic and doctor operate on a rapid response vehicle in the North East most nights.
The car carries the same life-saving equipment as its airborne counterpart, meaning the team can still deliver blood, anaesthetic procedures, and other advanced treatments to critically ill or injured patients in our region.
The charity, which currently needs to raise approximately £8.5m a year, has been working hard to cover every night of the week so that no matter when someone is need, the team are able to respond.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, the charity says it has regained some stability in fundraising, however they are now facing new challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis.
Last year, GNAAS’ critical care teams based in the North East and Cumbria, responded to an additional 745 night-time incidents on their rapid response cars. They provided essential medical expertise and care that would have otherwise been unavailable.
Mr Stockton added: “Looking ahead, we’re preparing ourselves for what could be a tough year. The worst possible scenario is that we can’t afford to be there for those that need us. Your support is more vital than ever: whether it’s a donation, a voluntary hand or just spreading the word about our cause- every bit helps.
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“Only with your continued generosity can we keep flying and saving lives across the region.”
To find out more about the appeal and how you can support the charity click here.
For more information visit: www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/ or follow @gnairambulance on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
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