Air Ambulance Week 2024 takes place between 9th – 15th September and is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the vital life-saving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. and three National Trust buildings will light up in support of the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
One of those buildings is Corfe Castle. At over 1,000 years old, it is one of Britain’s most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War. It’s a favourite haunt for adults and children alike, captivated by the romantic castle ruins and breath-taking views across Purbeck. Standing 21 metres tall and positioned atop a 55-metre-high hill, this gleaming tower of Purbeck limestone can be seen from miles around.
Photo credit: James Penberthy
Last year, another National Trust building, Wellington Monument, shone bright to recognise the work of the DSAA during this special week. Both have committed to do the same this year, with the addition of another iconic landmark, Glastonbury Tor. All three buildings are set to ‘light up’ during the evening of Monday 9th September, the start of Air Ambulance Week across the UK.
Wellington Monument is the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world and stands as a tribute to the Duke of Wellington and all the military personnel that helped him to victory at the Battle of Waterloo. Its prominent location on top of Wellington Hill on the edge of the Blackdown Hills, has led it to become a symbolic marker on a journey within the local area and to the wider South West.
Glastonbury Tor is one of the most famous landmarks in Somerset, if not the whole of the West Country. Steeped in history and legends, it offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales. It’s not just famous because it can be seen for miles and miles around, but also because it has huge spiritual significance for many people.
Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said:
“Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance is your local air ambulance charity, funded by you. Our incredible team of clinicians bring the equivalent of an intensive care unit to your home, the roadside, a field, a beach and often to the most remote areas of Dorset and Somerset. They are ordinary people bringing extraordinary care to people in their greatest hour of need and work so hard to save and enhance lives every day of the year. This care is not otherwise available outside of hospital and only possible with support from the public and the kind donations we receive.
“With every mission costing approximately £3,500, this brilliant awareness generating activity by Glastonbury Tor, Corfe Castle and Wellington Monument, supported by the National Trust, is a truly wonderful gesture and will certainly increase awareness of our work during Air Ambulance Week. We can’t thank them enough.”
Every pound raised during Air Ambulance Week will play a vital role in helping the crew of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to continue saving lives.
- To donate £10 today visit: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/AAW24 or call: 01823 669604
- To join the Flight for Life Lottery: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/join-our-lottery
- Become a regular donor: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/regular-donation