# **ANNUAL REPORT**
## **2025**
## www.airambulancesuk.org
Charity Registration No. 1161153 (England and Wales) Charity Registration No. SC051021 (Scotland) Company Registration No. 09391251 (England and Wales)
Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) Annual report and consolidated financial statements
## **LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION**
||Ms C A Walters|
|---|---|
||Mr A W Hicks|
||Ms B O'Sullivan|
||Ms S Thewlis (Appointed 3 March 2025)|
|Trustees|Ms P Wilkinson (Appointed 3 March 2025)
Mr M A L Jones (Appointed 3 March 2025)|
||Ms Kate Leach (Appointed 30 March 2026)|
||Mr C Hackett (Appointed 30 March 2026)|
||Mr R Corbett (Appointed 30 March 2026)|
|Chief Executive Officer|Mr M McGrath|
|Charity number (England and
Wales)|1161153|
|Charity number (Scotland)|SC051021|
|Company number|09391251|
||Air Ambulances UK|
|Registered office|International House | The McLaren Building
46 The Priory Queensway,|
||Birmingham | B4 7LR|
||Thomas and Young Limited,|
||Carleton House,|
|Auditor|266-268 Stratford Road,|
||Shirley,|
||Solihull,|
||West Midlands,|
||B90 3AD|
||NatWest|
|Bankers|Brampton Road|
||Newcastle-under-Lyme|
||Staffordshire|
||ST5 0QX|
||Anthony Collins Solicitors|
|Legal Advisors|134 Edmund Street|
||Birmingham|
||B3 2ES|
2 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## CONTENTS
## **04**
## **05 - 40**
## **41 42**
## **43**
**44 45 - 59 60 - 63**
## Message from our Chair
Trustees' report
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities Consolidated Balance Sheet Charity Balance Sheet
Consolidated Statement of Cashflows Notes to the Financial Statements Independent Auditor’s Report
3 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR**
## **INTRODUCTION**
This past year has been one of continued delivery alongside a leadership transition. Last year the Board made the decision to appoint an experienced interim Chief Executive, Lindsay Boswell CBE. This was to ensure continuity while allowing time for a comprehensive recruitment process for the organisation’s next permanent leader.
During his time with Air Ambulances UK. Lindsay Boswell CBE has provided steady leadership through a period of organisational development and renewal. A key focus has been ensuring the organisation remains well-run and effective, while also strengthening relationships and engagement across the 21 independent air ambulance charities. This has included working towards the establishment of the Air Ambulance Council, ensuring every air ambulance charity across the UK has a structured and consistent voice in shaping the strategic direction of Air Ambulances UK.
Following the reporting period, Air Ambulances UK announced that Lindsay Boswell CBE would step down as Interim Chief Executive on 31 March 2026, at which point Mike McGrath, following an open recruitment process, has taken up the role of Chief Executive. Mike joins from the NSPCC, where he spent 14 years in senior leadership roles, most recently as Special Adviser to the charity’s multi-industry Child Safety Online Taskforce. Across a 25year career in the charity sector, he brings extensive experience in organisational leadership, transformation and income growth. We look forward to working with him as we build on the progress made this year.
On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Lindsay Boswell for the clarity, energy and experience he has brought during this important period of transition. His contribution has strengthened both the organisation and its relationships across the sector.
The organisation has progressed important sector-wide priorities, including the development and consultation of a new manifesto, the continued success of Air Ambulance Week, and the strengthening of national partnerships. These areas of work are reflected throughout this report and demonstrate the value of closer collaboration across the sector in supporting and championing the delivery of critical care to patients across the UK.
Finally, I should like to say how grateful we are for the continued and sustained generosity of our funders and our partners. At a time of financial challenge, their support is beyond question vital. The same is true of my fellow trustees on the Board and of our executive team: without their input the work of AAUK could not be carried on. But above all I must say how much we all owe to the excellence and innovation that is found everywhere in the 21 independent Air Ambulance charities. Your professionalism and dedication define the sector. We are proud to have the honour of supporting your work.
Sarah Thewlis Chair of Trustees AAUK
4 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **TRUSTEE’S REPORT**
## **OUR VISION**
Together we will ensure the best possible chance of survival and patient outcomes for everyone in need of lifesaving pre-hospital care.
Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) champions and supports the vital work of air ambulance charities at a national level. We are the national charity supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives and improve patient outcomes every day.
## **OUR PURPOSE**
To champion and support the vital work of air ambulance charities, enabling them to save even more lives and improve patient outcomes every day across the UK.
AAUK is a national platform for the sector, and we work to raise awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance crews and how they make a difference to anyone in need of their specialist care. We raise national funds to invest in the air ambulance community across the UK and act as the voice on issues of national significance.
## **MIKE MCGRATH, CEO, AIR AMBULANCES UK**
“Since joining Air Ambulances UK in March 2026, I have been hugely inspired hearing about the impact delivered by the air ambulance sector throughout 2025. This report highlights the dedication, professionalism and collaboration shown by Air Ambulances UK’s team and the UK’s air ambulance charities alongside the crews and many supporters, volunteers and partners who make this life-saving work possible every day.
The many achievements in 2025 demonstrate the continued strength and ambition of the air ambulance sector. The impact is a testament to the passion amongst the UK public for the cause and the important role Air Ambulances UK plays in serving and championing the sector, whilst working collaboratively to help overcome challenges nationally in support of pre-hospital care across the UK.
I am incredibly excited about the future and looking forward to working with everyone at Air Ambulances UK, the air ambulance charities and all our supporters to deliver even more impact.”
5 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **OUR VALUES**
## **SERVICE**
**We exist to support the work of the 21 Air Ambulance charities in the UK.**
## **TRUST**
**We foster integrity in all we do, in order to be an ethical and trusted charity.**
## **COLLABORATION**
**We bring people, organisations and ideas together to maximise impact.**
## **INNOVATION**
**We focus on innovation in order to continually improve the services we deliver and enable improvements in patient outcomes.**
## **EXCELLENCE**
**We aspire for excellence in everything we do.**
## **OUR GOALS**
## TO INSPIRE NATIONAL ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT
**We will inspire commitment to the sector through raising funds, generating support and increasing national awareness of our cause.**
## TO ADVANCE PATIENT CARE
**We will support and champion research and good practice in the sector by the delivery of projects and sharing of learning to improve patient outcomes.**
## TO BE A COLLECTIVE VOICE
**We will become the trusted, national collective voice of the sector among central government, peer organisations, media and the public.**
## TO MAXIMISE SECTOR IMPACT & INCOME GENERATION
**We will deliver funding which enables air ambulance charity development and become the leading central hub of mutual information exchange, support and advice for the community.**
## TO ACHIEVE ORGANISATIONAL EXCELLENCE
**We will achieve the highest standards of governance and compliance, ensure financial sustainability and will nurture our team, as well as demonstrate our impact.**
6 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **IMPACT IN ACTION: PATIENT STORIES**
## **IMPACT IN ACTION: DEAN’S STORY**
On an April morning in 2025, Dean Stelloo set out early for a routine job at a construction site in Combe Martin. By 7am, he had arrived, chatting with his wife Gemma while waiting to begin. Everything felt normal.
_“I felt absolutely fine,”_ Dean recalls. _“But when I stepped into the canteen, I suddenly felt lightheaded. That’s the last thing I remember.”_
Moments later, Dean collapsed in cardiac arrest. Colleagues acted immediately—starting CPR and using a defibrillator that Dean himself had insisted be installed on site months earlier. After multiple attempts, they brought him back to life before emergency services arrived.
Dean drifted in and out of consciousness on the way to hospital. “It was like a dream,” he says. He later woke in recovery, confused and asking for tea, unaware of what had happened. Doctors told him he had survived only because of the quick actions of those around him.
For Gemma, the experience was devastating. _“We’d spoken 20 minutes before,”_ she says. _“When the call came, I kept asking, ‘Are you sure it’s Dean?’”_ . Gemma drove an hour to Exeter Hospital, uncertain of what awaited. _“The relief of walking around the corner and seeing him sat up in bed, smiling and saying, ‘Here she is!’ I just broke down. I’d imagined the worst.’”_
Dean spent three weeks recovering. He now has an implanted defibrillator and was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but has returned home to family life with Gemma and their three children.
The defibrillator that saved him was there because of his own determination to improve site safety—something he now strongly advocates for.
Today, Dean and Gemma promote CPR training and defibrillator access, sharing their story to raise awareness. Even their children now know where local defibrillators are.
7 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **IMPACT IN ACTION: MARK’S STORY**
On 14 November 2024, Mark Moran was on a bike ride in the Cotswolds with friends when, just 10km in, he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
Fit and active, Mark remembers feeling dizzy before collapsing. “It was like all the lights going out,” he says.
His friends acted immediately. Steve began CPR while calling 999, using the Stayin’ Alive rhythm to keep time, while Dave helped keep Mark’s airway clear. A Community First Responder quickly arrived with a defibrillator, delivering life-saving shocks before ambulance crews and the air ambulance team took over.
Mark was stabilised at the scene and airlifted to the Bristol Heart Institute for specialist care. He drifted in and out of consciousness on the way, even asking about his car keys. He spent three and a half weeks in hospital undergoing tests, but no clear cause for the cardiac arrest was found. As a precaution, he was fitted with an implanted defibrillator (ICD).
Just six months later, Mark completed the Bristol Half Marathon, marking an incredible recovery.
He credits his survival to the fast, coordinated actions of everyone involved—from his friends to the emergency services. “I wouldn’t be here without them,” he says. “It shows how vital every step is.”
“I’ve realised how many things had to go right for me to be here today. From my friends starting CPR straight away to the defibrillator arriving so quickly—every step mattered. It’s incredible how many people and decisions came together in those moments.”
Now, Mark is passionate about raising awareness: “Learn CPR—you could save a life.” Today, he and his friends have completed the ride they never finished that day, grateful for a second chance.
8 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **2025 PUBLIC PERCEPTION**
## **PUBLIC SURVEY FINDINGS**
The research was conducted online between 22 and 29 August 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 2,015 UK adults. All research adhered to the UK Market Research Society (MRS) Code of Conduct (2023) and complied with the Data Protection Act (2018). The profile of respondents by gender and age is outlined below.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Demographics
1,005
Identify as Male
Age 18-24 212
Age 25-34 375
1,007
Identify as Female
Age 35-44 350
Age 45-54 369 3
Age 55+ 709 Identify as Other
53% 58% 61% 35%
of the public do not know of people believe air of the public don’t realise Only 35% of the public
air ambulance charities are ambulance charities need that there are 21 separate consider their local air
independent of the NHS. more support. air ambulance charities ambulance charity an
across the UK. essential service
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
54%
of the public do not know
that air ambulances are
charities
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
14%
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of the public think air ambulance charities are funded by the government.
IN 1 4
Over 1 in 4 (26%) people know someone that has been assisted by an air ambulance, with 12% saying it was a family member or loved one that was helped by air ambulance crews / paramedics and doctors.
9 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS**
In 2025, our dedicated supporters, fundraisers and corporate partners once again showed incredible commitment to supporting the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Their passion, creativity and generosity continue to make a meaningful difference, helping raise vital funds and awareness for the sector.
We are hugely grateful to everyone who has supported Air Ambulances UK throughout the year and are proud to celebrate just a few of the many inspiring initiatives and achievements that have helped support our shared mission.
## **FAIRFIELDS FARM CRISPS**
We’re proud to partner with award-winning crisp producer Fairfields Farm to help raise vital funds for the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.
Their limited-edition Lightly Sea Salted crisp packs feature a new design supporting Air Ambulances UK, with a portion of profits going to the 21 air ambulance charities providing critical care across the UK.
## **FLANNERY PLANT HIRE**
In 2025, we were proud to welcome Flannery Plant Hire as a partner, supporting life saving missions across the UK by raising vital funds for Air Ambulances UK.
From fundraising at their Annual Staff Social, supporting us at events like UK Plant Operator of the Year 2025 and even wrapping an AAUK branded excavator, Flannery’s team go all out to support air ambulance charities.
## **BARCLAYS**
A huge thank you to Barclays for their recent golf day in support of Air Ambulances UK, which raised an incredible £30,000.
The event brought colleagues and supporters together to raise vital funds for air ambulance charities across the UK. This support will help ensure specialist medical teams can continue reaching patients in critical need, wherever they are, whenever they need it most.
10 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **NHS SUPPLY CHAIN**
In 2025 we launched an amazing new partnership with NHS Supply Chain, the organisation responsible for sourcing, delivering and supplying healthcare products, services and food to NHS trusts and healthcare organisations across England and Wales.
Led by NHS Supply Chain’s Community and Charity Champions, Air Ambulances UK has been selected as the organisation’s main charity partner. Together, they will help fund and raise awareness for the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.
## **PORSCHE EVENT**
A huge thank you to the Porsche Club GB for raising an incredible £1,984.98 at their Porsche Christmas event in support of Air Ambulances UK!
This generous contribution will help air ambulance charities across the UK continue their lifesaving work, ensuring specialist medical teams can reach those in urgent need—whether on roads, in remote areas, or anywhere rapid care is required.
## **RIDE4HUGO**
Thomas Yaxley sucessfully complete an incredible challenge, cycling over 3,000km to all 21 UK air ambulance charities in memory of his brother, Hugo. From sea crossings to early mornings and countless hills, Thomas’s dedication has been truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed Thomas at the bases and supported him along the way – your encouragement made all the difference.
## Thomas Yaxley, Ride4Hugo organiser, said:
“Hugo loved adventure and believed in doing things differently. Five years on, I wanted to do something bold, something that reflects his energy – and also gives back to the organisations that supported us and mirror Hugo’s passions. Nobody’s ever taken on this challenge before – it’s going to be tough, but it’s nothing compared to what so many families go through when facing tragedy.”
11| Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **PARTNERSHIP WITH KWIK FIT**
Kwik Fit continued to make a significant impact in 2025 through its national partnership with Air Ambulances UK, raising more than £500,000 since the partnership launched in October 2023. Staff, customers and industry partners came together to support the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities through in-centre donations, online giving and a wide range of fundraising activities.
Alongside raising vital funds, Kwik Fit has continued to help shine a spotlight on the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK. Their support during Air Ambulance Week and ongoing presence at the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) once again provided an important platform to engage thousands of people with the work of the air ambulance sector.
The 2025 BTCC season proved to be another huge success, raising an incredible £28,826.74 — surpassing the previous year’s total. Throughout the season, Air Ambulances UK had the opportunity to meet supporters from across the UK, share stories of lifesaving care, and raise awareness of the vital role air ambulance charities play every day.
Kwik Fit and Air Ambulances UK also partnered on a national road safety campaign during Road Safety Week, highlighting the simple vehicle safety checks that can help prevent serious road traffic collisions. Featuring Air Ambulances UK ambassador and former Formula One driver Karun Chandhok alongside personnel from Kwik Fit and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, the campaign encouraged drivers to check their tyres, brakes and lights before travelling during the winter months.
Fundraising activity continued throughout the year, including the Kwik Fit Golf Day and a range of colleague-led initiatives across the UK, helping generate vital funds to support the critical work of air ambulance charities.
We’re proud to continue working alongside Kwik Fit to support the UK’s air ambulance charities and help ensure they can continue saving lives every day.
## Mark Slade, Managing Director of Kwik Fit, said:
“Reaching this milestone so quickly is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our colleagues, customers and partners. Air ambulance charities provide vital lifesaving care to people in urgent need every day, and we are proud that our fundraising will help to ensure that these essential charities can continue to operate across the UK.”
12 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **PARTNERSHIP WITH PENINSULA**
Peninsula Group continued its support of Air Ambulances UK throughout 2025 as part of a three-year national partnership launched in 2024, with the shared ambition of raising £1 million to support the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities.
Selected by employees through a company-wide nomination process, the partnership reflects Peninsula’s strong commitment to charitable giving and supporting communities across the UK.
Since the partnership began, Peninsula has raised more than £350,000 through a wide range of fundraising activities, payroll giving and matched funding, demonstrating the enthusiasm and generosity of colleagues across the organisation.
One of the highlights of 2025 was Peninsula’s Global Day of Giving, which brought together teams from offices across the UK and internationally for a large-scale Atlantic rowing challenge. Employees from Manchester, London, Hinckley, Glasgow, Belfast and Sydney rowed a collective 1,061 kilometres - the equivalent distance from London to Bergen, Norway - while raising £4,408.73, which was matched by Peninsula to reach a total of £9,692.46 in support of Air Ambulances UK and fellow charity partners.
Throughout the year, Peninsula colleagues continued to take part in creative fundraising initiatives and challenges, showcasing the power of teamwork, generosity and workplace giving in support of air ambulance charities across the UK.
We are incredibly grateful for Peninsula’s ongoing commitment and support, which is helping air ambulance charities continue delivering critical care to those who need it most.
13 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **FIRST EVER GOLF DAY – 2025 HIGHLIGHTS**
2025 marked an exciting milestone for Air Ambulances UK with the delivery of our first ever Golf Day, held at the Abbey Golf Club & Spa in Redditch on 17 June. The event brought together supporters, partners and sector colleagues for a day of sport, networking and fundraising in support of air ambulance charities across the UK.
The inaugural event was extremely well received, combining a high-quality golfing experience with opportunities to connect, collaborate and champion the lifesaving work of the air ambulance community. Participants began the day with breakfast before taking to the championship-standard course for 18 holes, with a lunch stop at the 9th tee and a celebratory barbecue, prize giving and raffle to close the day.
The Golf Day attracted strong engagement from both individuals and corporate teams, with ticket options ranging from single-golfer places to full 4-ball teams. The event also benefited from additional support through raffle prize donations and hole sponsorships, helping to maximise fundraising impact.
We were delighted to welcome Wel Medical as Principal Sponsor, whose generous backing played a key role in the success of the day. We also extend our thanks to our inaugural hole sponsors, Bulk Meter Services Ltd and Smart Tab Limited, whose contributions helped enhance the event experience and raise further funds.
As our first venture into golf-based fundraising, the event demonstrated clear appetite for new and engaging ways to support the sector. The positive feedback and strong participation have laid firm foundations for future corporate fundraising events.
14 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **FUNDRAISING**
Thank you to all our incredible supporters and partners for your continued commitment throughout 2025. Your efforts have helped raise vital funds for Air Ambulances UK and the 21 air ambulance charities, enabling us to support more lifesaving missions and improve patient outcomes across the UK, including;
- DAF Trucks
- Renishaw PLC Sika Limited Virgin Red Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) Nathan's Waste Porsche Club GB Cataclean
- Europcar Mobility Group in UK Infopro digital Services Ltd Kier
- Muras Baker Jones Limited
- Sleeping Giant Media VCCP Amada Advent of Change Enterprise Mobility (Rent a Car) Cecil Pilkington Trust Raffall Ltd (Raffall Payments) Alliance Giti Tire UK Ltd
- PHG
- Road Haulage Association Construction Plant Hire Association Savills
- GSE UK
- Fairfields Farm Crisps
- Janet Nash Charitable Trust - CEF Autocycle Union (ACU) Flannery Ageas VetPartners
- OMG Racing Ltd
- Transport Association Boundless Barclays
- Horwich Cohen Coghlan Solicitors (HCC)
- Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK Kwik Fit Peninsula Group UKI Michelin Tyre Plc
Our partners and supporters are instrumental in helping to achieve our goal of saving lives and improving patient care across the UK. They raise vital funds and awareness for air ambulance initiatives through campaigns and engagement activities. Our partners and their employees actively participated in events like the ‘Brew for the Crew’ campaign, running, and skydiving to support air ambulance charities in saving even more lives.
15 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **JUDE MORRIS RACING FOUNDATION**
Following the continued support of The Jude Morris Racing Foundation, Air Ambulances UK has been able to further develop The Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund, supporting innovative clinical and operational projects across the UK’s air ambulance sector.
Established in memory of talented motocross rider Jude Morris, the Fund continues to celebrate Jude’s life and legacy by helping air ambulance charities improve patient outcomes, develop new ways of working and support lifesaving innovation.
17-year-old Jude tragically lost his life whilst competing in the British Youth Championship in Duns, Scotland, in 2021. Jude, who raced as #101, was regarded as one of the UK’s leading youth motocross riders and was widely respected throughout the motocross community for both his talent and his willingness to support others.
Working together with Air Ambulances UK, the Morris family established The Jude Morris Racing Foundation to continue Jude’s legacy. Through the Foundation, 20% of all funds raised are donated to The Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund, helping to support air ambulance charities across the UK now and into the future.
Thanks to the ongoing support of The Jude Morris Racing Foundation, grants awarded through the Fund have continued to support pioneering projects across the sector, including research into improving outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, advancements in stroke diagnosis and care, specialist clinical training programmes, and projects exploring the use of emerging technologies to support lifesaving care.
You can read more about The Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund and the grants awarded here.
16 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **AMBASSADOR SUPPORT**
We would like to thank all of our ambassadors for their continued support throughout the year. Each of them plays an important role in helping raise awareness of the critical work of the air ambulance sector, and we are incredibly proud to have their support across key campaigns, including Air Ambulance Week. Here are just a few key highlights from 2025:
## Karun Chandhok – Road Safety Week
Air ambulance charities respond to more than 8,000 road traffic collisions across the UK every year. Many of these incidents could be prevented through simple vehicle and safety checks before setting off on a journey.
To support Road Safety Week, we were proud to work alongside former Formula 1 driver Karun Chandhok and our corporate partner Kwik Fit to help raise awareness of road safety and the importance of taking simple steps to stay safe on the roads.
## Learn BSL with Eve
In 2025, we were pleased to launch a new video campaign designed to promote accessibility and inclusivity through British Sign Language (BSL).
The video campaign, Learn Basic Sign Language with Eve, featured Air Ambulances UK ambassador Eve, a passionate advocate for BSL, introducing viewers to a range of essential signs - from everyday greetings to emergency terms linked to the air ambulance sector.
## Jason Robinson OBE
In 2025, we were proud to welcome Jason Robinson as an ambassador for Air Ambulances UK.
Best known for scoring England’s only try in the 2003 Rugby World Cup Final, Jason’s career has spanned both rugby league and rugby union, earning him recognition as one of the sport’s most respected players. Since retiring, Jason has continued to support a number of charitable causes, using his platform to champion health, wellbeing and community support.
To find out more about our ambassadors, past and present, please click here
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KARUN CHANDHOK EVE, LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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JASON ROBINSON OBE
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17 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
Air Ambulance Week (AAW) is the national week for the air ambulance community that recognises, celebrates, and raises awareness of the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities in their local communities. The aim for the week is to raise national and local awareness of Air Ambulance Week and the air ambulance community.
## **KEY HIGHLIGHTS**
Royal Mail Postage frank on all stamped mail.
- The Prince and Princess of Wales engaging with social content.
- Securing the open letter of support from Prime Minister Keir Starmer for Air Ambulance Week and all charities.
- 10 second weather credit on the hour every hour - TalkSport Radio In partnership with Kwik Fit.
- Securing ITV coverage across all regions on behalf of air ambulance charities.
- Secured an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, a new initiative supported by 44 MPs.
- Motorway Service Station Campaign – Featured across the top 50 service stations for four weeks from 25th August, representing all air ambulance charities with a single piece of media.
18 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS Inspiring National Engagement & Support**
## **AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY ENGAGEMENT BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS**
During Air Ambulance Week, a number of iconic landmarks and monuments across the UK were lit up in red and yellow to help raise awareness of the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities. This striking visual display served as a powerful reminder of the vital role air ambulance services play every day across the UK.
- Rochester Castle, Rochester Cathedral Spire ,Worthing Town Hall, Eastbourne Town Clock.
- Ranfurly House’ (Dungannon), Burnavon (Cookstown) and Bridewell (Magherafelt), Lagan Valley Island Centre, Mossley Mill, Antrim Civic Centre and Ballyclare Town Hall, Council Headquarters (Cloonavin).
- King’s Lynn Corn Exchange, The Assembly House, Norwich, St George’s Theatre, Gt Yarmouth, Ipswich Town Hall, Ely Cathedral (Octagon), Peterborough Cathedral, Kimbolton Castle, Luton Dart.
- Wookey Hole, Christchurch Priory, Weymouth Pavillion, Glastonbury Tor, Corfe Castle, Bridport Clock Tower. O2 Guildhall Southampton.
- Smeatons Tower, Derriford Hospital, Barnstaple Clock Tower, Exeter Guildhall, Tavistock Town Hall. Nostell Priory, WX Wakefield Exchange, Wakefield town hall clock, Wainhouse Tower, Wakefield Cathedral. Peterborough Cathedral, Cambridge and Peterborough City Councils, Ely Cathedral, Bedford Borough Council and Bedford Corn Exchange, Godmanchester Town Council and Buckden Tower.
## **NATIONAL ORGANISATION AND HIGH-PROFILE INPUT**
A growing number of organisations and high-profile individuals supported this year's campaign and helped to maximise our reach to ordinary people. The list is not a definitive list but those with significant following are:
**Prince and Princess of Wales Emergency Services Times Swift Trial College of Paramedics Brake the road safety charity What 3 Words Brown & Co Rural AACE Essex Retired Police Dogs Turtle Medical Randal Charitable Foundation Business Watch Guarding The Blue Light Show Civil Aviation Authority Orange PR Wel Medical LFS Sloane Helicopters Leonardo Helicopters Blandy & Blandy Solicitors HELP Appeal Bluestep Solutions Stewarts KNP WA Management Skyview Systems Standby UK Charitable Giving**
## **PARLIAMENTARIANS**
Despite needing to postpone our originally intended Parliamentary Reception into 2026, Air Ambulance Week 2025 secured strong political engagement. Seventeen parliamentarians supported our Early Day Motion recognising the week and backing the sector’s forthcoming manifesto, Critical Moments, Lifesaving Decisions. We also received a significant endorsement from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while a further motion led by Sarah Dyke gained 25 signatures. In total, 53 parliamentarians showed their support for the sector during the campaign.
19 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS ADVANCING PATIENT CARE**
## **IMPROVING PATIENT OUTCOMES FUND**
In 2025, Air Ambulances UK launched the AAUK Improving Outcomes Fund, a first of its-kind initiative designed to strengthen support for air ambulance patients, their loved ones, and the crews who respond to life-threatening emergencies.
Funded by founding partners HCC Solicitors and Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK, the programme provides dedicated grant funding to improve aftercare provision and crew wellbeing across the air ambulance sector. It ensures that those affected by traumatic incidents can access consistent, high-quality support beyond the initial emergency response.
Air ambulance charities are able to apply for grants between £5,000 and £25,000 to develop services and spaces that improve long-term outcomes. Funded activity includes patient aftercare services, dedicated crew support, and the creation of reflection and wellbeing spaces for both patients and staff.
The fund was established to help address gaps in post-incident care and to promote equity in aftercare provision across the UK air ambulance sector.
## **Funded Projects**
In its first year, the fund supported a range of initiatives across the UK:
- The Air Ambulance Service – £25,000 for Clinical Liaison Officer aftercare expansion
- Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance – £5,000 for the Garden of Reflection
- Great Western Air Ambulance Charity – £25,000 to establish a post-incident patient support service
- Devon Air Ambulance Trust – £25,000 to develop a dedicated Patient and Family Support service within its new HQ and Operations Centre
- Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex – £20,000 towards its Patient and Family Aftercare service
Through these awards, the AAUK Improving Outcomes Fund is helping ensure consistent, meaningful aftercare provision across the sector, supporting patients, families, and crews following some of the most critical moments in their lives.
20 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS ADVANCING PATIENT CARE**
## **HELIPADS PROGRESS**
AAUK is addressing a key manifesto priority: many UK Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and specialist hospitals still lack 24/7-capable, on-site helipads, forcing off-site landings that delay treatment and put lives at risk. Recognising and protecting these helipads as core NHS infrastructure is essential to ensuring rapid, lifesaving patient access.
AAUK is working closely with parliamentarians, NHS leaders, and Government departments to highlight the urgent national need to overcome these hospital helipad barriers. This work supports wider Government and NHS priorities, including the 10-Year Health Plan, the Urgent & Emergency Care Plan 2025/26, and the New Hospital Programme, all of which emphasise capital investment, service resilience, and modern infrastructure for urgent and emergency care.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Air Ambulances is preparing a national report on this critical issue. The report is co-developed by AAUK, the HELP Appeal, and the University of Liverpool’s Flight Science and Technology department, with the broad support of coalition stakeholders bringing subject matter expertise. It provides evidence-based recommendations to improve hospital helipad access, patient outcomes, and operational effectiveness.
Key Facts from the 2025 UK-wide MTC & Specialist Hospital Helipads Assesment (stats differ in 2026):
- 31% of sites have serious access issues (29% Red, 2% Red/Amber)
- 21% of sites have limited access and provision, requiring improvement (Amber)
- 48% of sites meet 24/7 on-site access and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) CAP 1264 standards — considered low concern (Green)
These findings demonstrate the significant variation in helipad provision across the UK, highlighting the urgent need for targeted planning, safeguarding, and policy action to ensure rapid patient access and operational effectiveness.
Key note: This campaign was developed during 2025 and will continue into 2026 following its launch.
21 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS ADVANCING PATIENT CARE**
## **SWiFT Trial**
The Study of Whole Blood in Frontline Trauma (SWiFT) trial continued to make significant progress throughout 2025, building on the strong momentum reported the previous year.
Delivered by NHS Blood and Transplant in collaboration with Air Ambulances UK, 10 air ambulance charities across England and the Ministry of Defence, the trial represents the first UK-based study to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of using whole blood in the pre-hospital treatment of patients with life-threatening bleeding.
By early 2025, the trial had successfully reached its recruitment target ahead of schedule, enrolling more than 900 eligible patients over a 21-month period. This achievement reflected exceptional collaboration across the sector, involving:
- 10 air ambulance charities
- 10 transfusion laboratories
- 19 receiving hospital sites
Throughout 2025, work focused on data cleaning, verification and preparation for analysis, ensuring the robustness required for publication in a leading peer-reviewed medical journal. The scale and pace of recruitment, combined with the breadth of participating organisations, underscored the sector’s shared commitment to strengthening the evidence base for pre-hospital emergency medicine.
The final analysis was completed at the end of the year, paving the way for publication of the results in early 2026. These findings - released in the New England Journal of Medicine — now provide critical evidence to guide future clinical practice, procurement decisions and research priorities across the NHS and the wider trauma care community.
Air Ambulances UK is proud to have supported this landmark study and to have worked alongside partners across emergency care, research and the armed forces to advance understanding of whole blood use in the pre-hospital environment.
To find out more about the SWiFT Trial copy the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J21vmrCSlxc
22 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS BEING A COLLECTIVE VOICE**
## **APPG FOR AIR AMBULANCES**
## **Inaugural Meeting**
Following the 2024 General Election, the APPG for Air Ambulances was relaunched at its Inaugural Meeting on 4 March 2025, re-establishing cross-party parliamentary engagement on sector priorities. New officers were appointed, reflecting broad political support. The meeting set the direction for the APPG’s work programme in the new Parliament, reinforcing its role as a platform to drive policy change in support of UK air ambulance charities.
## **APPG Officers for 2025:**
Chair – Pete Wishart MP
Officer – Steve Witherden MP Officer – Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP Officer – Baroness Foster of Aghadrumsee
## **Parliamentary Activity**
Throughout 2025, the APPG actively supported parliamentary engagement on the sector’s manifesto priorities. Members tabled Early Day Motions (EDMs) and Parliamentary Questions (PQs) to highlight and advance key areas of focus outlined in the manifesto. The APPG also secured a sector exhibition scheduled for January 2026, designed to showcase the lifesaving work of the UK’s air ambulance charities and highlight the operational challenges and strategic priorities.
## **Summer Recess Engagement**
During the Summer Recess, APPG members and broader local MPs visited air ambulance bases across the UK as part of the sector’s collective engagement programme, gaining firsthand insight into operations and the lifesaving work of crews. These visits provided practical context for discussions on operational challenges, infrastructure needs, and patient outcomes.
## **Work Programme Meeting – Hospital Helipads**
A focused meeting on hospital helipads was convened following the Summer Recess to review provision and accessibility at Major Trauma Centres and specialist hospitals. The group agreed next steps to lobby for improvements, which now underpin the development of a national report on hospital helipads, providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance patient outcomes and operational effectiveness.
## **Commitment to the Sector**
Through these activities, the APPG has reinforced its role as a platform to drive cross-party support and policy change. The group remains fully committed to championing the UK’s air ambulance charities, and ensuring air ambulance services continue to receive the recognition, resources, and support they need.
## **Chair’s Note**
2025 has been an important year for the APPG for Air Ambulances, focused on stabilisation and growth. Our members have engaged across Parliament, visited air ambulance bases, and advanced key issues such as hospital helipad provision. Evidence-based advocacy has progressed through EDMs, PQs, and the forthcoming national helipads report. The APPG remains committed to supporting the sector and improving patient outcomes across the UK.
23 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS BEING A COLLECTIVE VOICE**
## **PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION**
Air Ambulances UK had planned to host a Parliamentary Reception on 10 September 2025 to bring together MPs, Peers, and sector stakeholders in support of the UK’s air ambulance charities, and to formally launch the sector’s manifesto. However, the event was postponed at short notice due to Parliamentary security-related strikes and disruption.
In response, focus shifted to maintaining engagement and momentum behind the manifesto. This provided an opportunity to further refine its policy asks and strengthen parliamentary support, ensuring continued progress against key priorities. The manifesto, published in September 2025, sets out four central areas for action:
- 1.Safeguarding and improving hospital helipad access – Commit to ensuring 24/7-ready on-site helipads at all UK Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and specialist hospitals, prioritising upgrades at sites rated as high or medium concern as essential NHS infrastructure.
- 2.Unlocking access to patient data (Via the Pre-Hospital Research Audit Network) – Enable secure access to linked patient data so air ambulance charities can track outcomes, improve care, and support NHS integration.
- 3.Restoring EGNOS temporarily – Supporting a short-term return to the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) to reduce weather-related delays while a UK Satellite-Based Augmentation System is developed.
- 4.Strengthening public understanding of air ambulance funding – Raising awareness of the charitable nature of UK air ambulance charities to secure long-term support.
By centering parliamentary engagement around these manifesto priorities, the APPG for Air Ambulances and Air Ambulances UK maintained momentum in promoting the sector’s strategic challenges and positioning the manifesto as a central vehicle for advocacy.
24 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS MAXIMISING SECTOR IMPACT**
## **LETTERS OF SUPPORT**
For Air Ambulance Week (8 – 14 September 2025), Sir Keir Starmer MP, Prime Minister, issued a message of support recognising the vital contribution of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities.
In his letter, he acknowledged that crews are dispatched to an average of 134 lifesaving missions every day, delivering hospital-level care at the scene of serious incidents including road traffic collisions, cardiac arrests and emergencies in remote areas.
Sir Keir described air ambulance services as a “lifeline for thousands across the country” and extended “heartfelt thanks” to the charities, their crews, volunteers and fundraisers, noting that their dedication, backed by public support, “saves lives”. The message closed on the campaign theme: “Every Mission Starts With You.”
25 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS MAXIMISING SECTOR IMPACT**
## **AAUK ANNUAL CONFERENCE**
Each year hundreds of colleagues from across the air ambulance community join us for a chance to reconnect, network and share ideas and celebrate. It is the one opportunity in the year where the air ambulance community comes together for a day of debate, learning, research, and celebration. In 2025, we were excited to reveal that the theme ‘Saving More Lives Together’ and we took the conference to an exciting new venue, Telford International Centre! We were pleased to host incredible speakers including;
- Jamila Daley-Jeffers inspired fundraisers from across the UK to rethink how they measure success, demonstrating how community fundraising delivers long-term value far beyond income alone.
- Emma Bracegirdle equipped communications professionals with practical ways to uncover powerful everyday stories, helping charities create authentic, high-impact content on limited budgets.
- Dr Tim Nutbeam showcased how improving the Road Injury Chain of Survival can transform patient outcomes, sharing evidence-based approaches to rescue, triage and post-collision care.
- Becky O’Brien provided leaders with a clear framework for building a well-led organisation, highlighting the importance of robust governance, risk management and organisational assurance.
- Hollie Smith demonstrated how data-driven innovation can enhance mission effectiveness, sharing how a custom HEMS dispatch algorithm ensures the right patient is reached at the right time.
26 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**AAUK ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE**
## **AWARD WINNERS**
2025 marked the establishment of Air Ambulances UK’s new Awards of Excellence Committee and Judging Panel, created to strengthen transparency, sector representation, and the overall robustness of the awards process.
We were delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Awards of Excellence, sponsored by Babcock International Group and hosted by Dr Dawn Harper at the Telford International Conference Centre. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements and dedication of those who bring their specialist lifesaving skills to the air ambulance sector across the UK.
With an exceptionally high calibre of nominations, the newly formed judging panel faced difficult decisions - a reflection of the outstanding professionalism, innovation, and compassion demonstrated across the sector.
## Young Person of the Year Sponsored by: Sloane Helicopters WINNER: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity
At just 10 years old, a young person has shown remarkable strength, resilience, and compassion following the traumatic Southport incident in July 2024. After sustaining life-changing injuries, she transformed her experience into a force for good, creating the Luna Rose Foundation to support the emergency services who saved her life. In a matter of months, she raised an incredible £15,000, later visiting the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity airbase to meet the crew who treated her. Her courage, determination, and generous spirit make her an inspiring young fundraiser.
## Innovation of the Year Sponsored by: Vulkan Industries WINNER: IMPACT – Centre for Post-Collision Research, Innovation and Translation, Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Launched in 2024, IMPACT is the world’s first dedicated centre focused on improving outcomes from road injury through post-collision research. From the Road Injury Chain of Survival to globally significant innovations such as the U-STEP OUT algorithm and Utstein-Style Reporting Guidelines, IMPACT is shaping the future of road injury response and demonstrating the powerful influence of charitable-led research.
## Critical Care Practitioner of the Year Sponsored by: Zoll
## WINNER: Stephen Westbrook, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Stephen has demonstrated outstanding leadership and clinical expertise throughout the past year, delivering exemplary care to patients while supporting colleagues at incident scenes with calm and compassion. His work has transformed Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s service, including the creation of a voluntary responder scheme providing over 2,591 hours of cover and reaching 45 critically ill patients. Stephen’s contributions have significantly improved patient outcomes across the region.
27 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**AAUK ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE**
## Breaking Barriers Sponsored by: Bell Flight Textron WINNER: Nicola Cooper, Magpas Air Ambulance
Nicola has championed equality, inclusion, and accessible lifesaving education since joining Magpas Air Ambulance in 2021. Determined to ensure that CPR and defibrillator skills are available to everyone, she has built trusted relationships with underrepresented groups. Nicola has trained more than 6,000 people aged 8 to 99 in the past year alone —with 100% reporting they now feel confident to act in a cardiac emergency.
## Charity Staff Member of the Year Sponsored by: Bee Ethical
## WINNER: Sarah Atkins, East Anglian Air Ambulance
Across her ten years with East Anglian Air Ambulance, Sarah played a central role in strengthening workplace culture, championing mental health, and developing inclusive practices. Her strategic thinking shaped the evolution of the charity’s patient liaison service into the clinically focused Aftercare Service, which supported 473 people last year alone. Sarah’s leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting positive impact on colleagues, patients, and the wider charity.
## Trustee of the Year Sponsored by: Peninsula Global Ltd WINNER: Chris Carey, Magpas Air Ambulance
In just 18 months, Chris has made an exceptional contribution to Magpas Air Ambulance. A longstanding supporter who previously raised more than £20,000 as Captain of a Cambridgeshire golf club, Chris has since provided invaluable governance and oversight as a Trustee. He is a highly visible advocate for the charity, championing its work at key events and helping raise more than £150,000 through an annual corporate golf day.
## Campaign of the Year
Sponsored by: Lottery Fundraising Services WINNER: ‘Sing It Home’, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust
‘Sing It Home’ was an outstanding creative achievement designed to raise £2.85 million towards a second helicopter. Bringing together more than 500 musicians from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the campaign produced a professional-quality album that captured hearts across the UK. Its headline single reached number 11 in the official UK charts— outperforming global artists over the Christmas period—and generated more than 309,000 video views. The campaign achieved widespread national coverage and played a significant role in meeting the fundraising target.
28 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**AAUK ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE**
## Supplier of the Year
## WINNER: FLT Group, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
FLT Group has become an essential partner for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, providing exceptional facilities management support over the past three years. Amid rising costs and operational pressures, FLT has ensured the airbase remains safe, compliant, and fully operational, reducing facilities expenditure by around 50%. Their support has played a vital role in the charity’s ability to respond when it matters most.
## Operations Support Staff of the Year Sponsored by: Stewarts WINNER: Abby Lock, Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Since stepping into her role last year, Abby has revitalised Devon Air Ambulance Trust’s Exmouth shop, transforming it into the charity’s topperforming store. She has built a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing team, introducing innovative ideas, safer processes, and creative solutions. Her leadership has created a vibrant, positive environment for staff, volunteers, and customers alike, with the shop achieving the highest sales in the organisation in 2024.
## Charity Volunteer of the Year Sponsored by: Wild in Art WINNER: Marcus Christie, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Motivated by a personal connection to the service, Marcus has dedicated himself to supporting Air Ambulance Northern Ireland with extraordinary passion. His efforts have raised more than £20,000 through a Kilimanjaro climb and gala, funding over four days of lifesaving operations. Marcus is a determined advocate whose efforts and insight have helped strengthen lifesaving care for people across Northern Ireland.
## Pilot of the Year
## Sponsored by: Babcock International Group WINNER: Captain Kev Rutherford, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Captain Kev Rutherford has been an exceptional HEMS pilot for five years, recognised for his technical skill, calm leadership, and compassionate approach. A former military instructor, Kev is deeply committed to supporting colleagues, from mentoring new pilots to championing wellbeing through the charity’s Welfare Group. He also volunteers as a Community First Responder and has supported humanitarian efforts by delivering medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals.
29 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**AAUK ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE**
## Charity Team of the Year Sponsored by: Aeroptimo
## WINNER: #HELi2 Appeal Team, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust
In an exceptionally challenging fundraising climate, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust’s ten-person fundraising team delivered extraordinary results. Alongside sustaining £8 million in annual income, the team raised an additional £2.85 million to secure a second helicopter. Their innovative approach saw record levels of engagement, with a rebranded lottery, a £2.7 million increase in legacy income, and 93 trust awards totalling £439,000. Their strategic creativity and resilience have strengthened the future of lifesaving care in Cornwall.
## Doctor of the Year Sponsored by: Leonardo Helicopters WINNER: Dr Paul Rees, East Anglian Air Ambulance
Dr Paul Rees is a visionary clinician transforming out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care. Combining expertise in interventional cardiology and prehospital emergency medicine, he founded the pioneering SPEAR programme and leads the national ERICA-ARREST trial. Paul is internationally recognised for his training and mentorship, and he continues to champion patient dignity, colleague wellbeing, and clinical excellence across the sector.
_*Dr Price is pictured receiving the award on behalf of Dr Rees *_
## Aftercare Supporter of the Year Sponsored by: HCC Solicitors & Slater and Gordon
## WINNER: Adam Crosby, Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Adam has profoundly strengthened aftercare within Thames Valley Air Ambulance and across the wider sector. Adam has played a central role in developing the charity’s highly regarded aftercare service, which provides crucial support, advocacy, and reassurance to patients and families. His dedication exemplifies the transformative power of effective aftercare.
## Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by: Airbus
WINNER: Dr David Zideman, Thames Valley Air Ambulance & Dr Simon Lewis, Magpas Air Ambulance
Dr David Zideman has shaped emergency and prehospital medicine globally for more than five decades. A founding member of the Resuscitation Council and author of over 130 scientific papers, his work continues to influence clinical practice worldwide. His leadership across BASICS, St John Ambulance, and the London 2012 Olympic Games, alongside his service as Honorary Physician to the Queen, reflects a career defined by innovation, education, and dedication to patient care.
30 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS MAXIMISING SECTOR IMPACT**
## **ENGAGING INDUSTRY AUDIENCES**
Air Ambulances UK attended a range of key events and conferences throughout the year, engaging with partners and stakeholders across the blue light, emergency response, and aviation medical sectors. These events provided valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and stay connected to innovation and best practice across the sector. Key highlights included:
## **EMERGENCY SERVICES SHOW**
The Emergency Services Show provided a valuable opportunity for Air Ambulances UK to engage with colleagues and partners from across the blue light and resilience community. Bringing together thousands of professionals from the emergency services, voluntary sector, and industry suppliers, the event showcases the latest innovations, equipment, and best practice that support front-line response. Our attendance enabled us to strengthen existing relationships, build new connections, and raise awareness of the vital role of air ambulances within the wider emergency response system. The event also offered important insights into emerging trends, collaborative working, and opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness across the sector.
## **BLUE LIGHT SHOW**
The Blue Light Show 2025 in London offered an important platform for Air Ambulances UK to connect with professionals from across the emergency services and public safety sectors. The event brought together a wide range of organisations, showcasing innovative technologies, operational best practice, and collaborative approaches to emergency response. By attending, we strengthened relationships with key partners, engaged with new stakeholders, and highlighted the critical role of air ambulance charities within the wider blue light community. The event also provided valuable insight into emerging challenges and opportunities, supporting continued learning and collaboration across the sector.
## **AIRBUS HEMS CONFERENCE**
Air Ambulances UK attended this international HEMS-focused event, which brought together global operators, industry leaders, and specialist suppliers to explore the future of helicopter emergency medical services. The agenda featured a comprehensive programme of presentations showcasing a wide portfolio of products and services, alongside contributions from key medical interior suppliers such as Bucher and Aerolite.
For Air Ambulances UK, attendance was particularly valuable in strengthening relationships across the global HEMS community – particularly with key stakeholders with a view to onboard as an Industry Supporter or a Fundraising Corporate Partner. Also gaining insight into emerging trends and challenges and contributing to discussions shaping the future of emergency helicopter services. As a key stakeholder, our involvement ensures that the perspectives and needs of the UK sector are represented, supporting continued advancement in operational excellence and patient care outcomes.
31 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS MAXIMISING SECTOR IMPACT**
## **DEVELOPING OUR PEOPLE**
In 2025, Air Ambulances UK continued to strengthen its sector-wide professional development offer, building on the foundations of the Fundraising Academy, Data Academy and the Management and Leadership Level 5 Diploma. This year marked a shift from launch to consolidation, with programmes becoming firmly embedded across the air ambulance community.
A major development in 2025 was the introduction of the new Leadership and Management Level 3 Programme, launched in February to support frontline and aspiring managers. Designed to build strong foundations in effective leadership, the programme equips learners with practical tools and frameworks to manage people and resources confidently, supported by fortnightly one-to-one coaching from experienced third-sector coaches.
Delivered over 13 months, the programme helps participants tackle real workplace challenges while developing skills in time management, planning and budgeting, communication and decision-making. Learning is tailored to each organisation and individual, combining online resources, applied professional development activities and group workshops. On completion, learners achieve the Corndel Level 3 Diploma in Management, the Chartered Management Institute Level 3 Certificate and Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status.
Alongside this new addition, the Data Academy completed its first full cycle, and the Level 5 Diploma continued to see strong engagement, with participants reporting improvements in confidence, communication and team performance.
Across all programmes, 2025 saw increased cross-charity collaboration, with shared learning and practical tools now being adopted more widely across the sector. Together, these initiatives continue to strengthen organisational resilience and support the development of skilled, confident leaders at every level.
## LEARNER FEEDBACK
32 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS MAXIMISING SECTOR IMPACT**
## **ENHANCING SECTOR COLLABORATION**
We distribute funds to the UK's 21 air ambulance charities. Further details can be found on page 51.
Delivery of air ambulance charity member forums which provide a safe space for knowledge sharing, networking and establishing opportunities for collaboration. Guest speakers are also invited to the forums, offering insights and expertise.
- National CEO Forum
- Fundraising Directors’ Forum
- National Fundraising Forum
- Legacy Forum
- In Memory Forum
- Community Fundraising Forum Corporate Fundraising Forum Lottery Forum
- Communications Forum
- Governance, Risk and Compliance Forum Environmental Sustainability Committee Data & IT Forum
- Gambling Commission Regulation Forum Trusts & Foundations Forum
- Retail
- Events Forum
- Supporter Engagement Forum
## _Data Forum attendee_
_“Thank you for continuing to bring the Data Forum together. The sessions are always valuable, with plenty of learning and useful discussions, and it’s been great to see the forum continue to grow and develop since first coming together in 2024.”_
## _Legacy Forum attendee_
_“It’s been really beneficial to be part of the Legacy Forum. Sharing ideas, discussing challenges and collaborating with colleagues across the sector has been incredibly valuable.”_
33 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS GOVERNANCE INFORMATION**
The Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (operating as Air Ambulances UK) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and is registered at the Charity Commission of England Wales and at the Scottish Charity Regulator. It is governed by its Articles of Association.
The Charitable Company was incorporated on 15 January 2015 and registered at the Charities Commission on 1 April 2015.
The maximum number of Directors is nine and the minimum number of Directors is four, of whom four are appointed by the air ambulance members and up to five are appointed by the Board. Each of the five Directors appointed by the Board, including the Chair, shall be Independent Directors. Independent Directors are recruited following a skills audit and all Directors undergo Induction and are required to comply with the Trustee Handbook and Trustee Code of Conduct.
The Board meet quarterly, and extraordinary meetings are scheduled as required. During 2025 these meetings were both virtual and in person. Scrutiny of finances and the risk register is undertaken, and the Delegation of Authority policy allows for delegation of agreed areas to the staff team. The Risk and Audit Committee exists to assist the Board in its duty to supervise the direction and performance of the Charity’s financial affairs and oversee the annual financial audit and corporate risk management process. It operates collectively and reports to the Board.
As of 31 December 2025, the staff team consisted of the Interim Chief Executive Officer, Head of Communications and Marketing, Head of National Corporate Fundraising, three Fundraising Managers, Finance Manager, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Membership and Events Manager and supporting staff.
## Directors and Trustees
The Directors of the charitable company (the charity) are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law.
The Trustees and CEO are considered to be the key management of the charity. The Trustees and officers serving during the year and since year end were as follows:
## Trustees
Ms Sarah Thewlis (Chair) - appointed 3 March 2025 Mr D Brown – resigned 3 March 2025 Ms AL Perry – resigned 3 March 2025 Mrs AC McLean - resigned 30 March 2026 Mr AD Welch - resigned 30 March 2026 Ms CA Walters Mr AW Hicks Ms Bernadette O’Sullivan Mr M Jones – appointed 3 March 2025 Ms P Wilkinson – appointed 3 March 2025 Ms Kate Leach - appointed 30 March 2026 Mr C Hackett - appointed 30 March 2026 Mr R Corbett - appointed 30 March 2026
34 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STRATEGIC GOALS & ACHIEVEMENTS GOVERNANCE INFORMATION**
## INTERIM CEO
Mr Lindsay Boswell, (Appointed 01 January 2025, resigned 31 March 2026. Replaced by Mike McGrath as permanent CEO from 1 April 2026)
Overall control of the Charitable Company is with Trustees.
Related party transactions are disclosed in note 22 to the accounts.
## Trustee Induction and Training
The recruitment of Trustees is led by an audit of the skills held by the members of the Board.
Any new appointees would be appointed by an open recruitment process against an agreed person profile and job specification and a skills audit review. The Annual General Meeting of the charity confirms all new appointments.
New Trustees undergo a induction process covering, governance, risk management, financial systems and agreed procedures.
## Disclosure of information to the auditor
In so far as each of the trustees is aware:
- There is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s auditor is unaware; and
- Each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
35 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The Charity’s income this year is £2,026,378 up from £1,620,952 in 2024 due largely continued growth in corporate partnership donations.
The income in 2025 includes income from donations and legacies of £1,807,537 (2024: £1,372,454) and other charitable activities from the wholly owned subsidiary AAA Ltd of £218,841 (2024: £248,498). The Charity’s wholly owned subsidiary received a total of £37,415 (2024: £90,504) in Membership income.
The total number of members was 27 including 20 air ambulance charities and 7 other air ambulance sector organisations.
Combined total donations and legacies as well as membership income was £1,844,952 (2024: £1,462,958)
||2025|2024|2023|
|---|---|---|---|
|Funds raised - excl. AAA ltd membership activities and gift
arising on acquisition, but including unpaid voluntary services.|£1,807,537|£1,372,454|£654,185|
|Total Distribution.|£899,725|£169,725|£352,717|
## Going Concern
The charity has a strong reserve position and has sufficient available resources, as demonstrated by the level of general funds in this report. Trustees have overall responsibility for the timing and distribution of grants in accordance with our Distributions Policy. We have adequate financial resources and are well placed to manage the business risks. Our planning process, including financial projections, have taken into consideration the ongoing effects of the cost-of-living on the fundraising environment. Our cash deposits can be drawn down should working capital be required. The key risk to our income continues to be the impact of the cost of living crisis.
The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
## Reserves Policy
The Charity has developed a reserves policy that identifies and plans for the maintenance of the primary activity, the support of the local air ambulance services, and reflects the risks associated with the Charity's business model, spending commitments, potential liabilities and financial forecasts.
The Board reviews the reserves policy at the end of every financial year in order to assess its validity dependant on current circumstances.
Currently a minimum reserve of six months operating costs is held.
The free reserves of AAUK as an individual charity at 31 December 2025 are £856,963 (2024: £609,174). The free reserves of the group as a whole are £953,145 (2024: £764,307).
The Board will make distributions in line with the Charity’s Distributions Policy
## Funds
The charity's total funds at 31 December 2025 were £1,503,942 (2024: £1,274,921).
In 2025 a total of £642,013 (2024: £85,447) restricted income was distributed through grants to the 21 local air ambulance charity members as ordinary distributions. There were no extraordinary distributions.
In accordance with our Distributions Policy further income will be distributed once these accounts have been fully approved.
36 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **DISTRIBUTION POLICY**
This policy sets out how Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) will distribute the funds it has raised to its beneficiaries.
The receipt of income and the distribution of funds is within the control of the Board of Trustees.
## 1. Sources of income
AAUK receives income as donations including corporate partnership donations, legacies, and donations from individuals. It also receives income from fees such as Industry Supporter fees generated through its trading subsidiary.
AAUK only makes distributions to its beneficiaries from the income it receives as donations. No monies from fees generated through its trading subsidiary are included in its distribution policy.
a.Donations are received from organisations including corporations and Government, and from individuals. They can be i.Unrestricted i.e. Trustees are free to decided how they are utilised or distributed, including being used to fund the charity’s running costs (fundraising, governance, and support costs). Until utilised or distributed, unrestricted donations are accounted for as unrestricted reserves.
ii.Restricted i.e. the donor has placed restrictions on how the donation is to be utilised or distributed. The restriction may originate from the donor or may be at the invitation of the Trustees. Until utilised or distributed, restricted donations are accounted as restricted reserves.
## 2. Acceptance of income
The Trustees must act in accordance with the AAUK Acceptance and Refusal of Donations Policy and AAUK’s Ethics Policy.
## 3. Annual distributions
AAUK will distribute funds to its beneficiaries once per year and upon completion and approval of the audited Annual Accounts. The amounts to be distributed will be after any interim distributions have been made during the year to which the Annual Accounts relate.
Annual distributions will be determined as follows:
a.Restricted funds will be distributed as per the restrictions stipulated.
b.Unrestricted funds will be distributed amongst beneficiaries at the full discretion of trustees and guided by a consideration of:
i.Free reserves (i.e. Unrestricted funds less designated funds and fixed assets)
ii.Less a provision for six months running costs (fundraising, governance, and support costs). This six-month period may be extended at the full discretion of the Trustees in times that they judge to be difficult fundraising environments iii.Less any debtors not yet received at the time of the decision.
## 4. Interim distributions
Delaying the distribution of all funds until after the audited Annual Accounts have been approved would result in unreasonable delays in getting the funds to where they are needed. This is especially the case where AAUK’s corporate partners have worked with local air ambulance charities to raise funds which have duly been paid to AAUK for onward distribution to the local air ambulance charities concerned.
Trustees may therefore resolve to make interim distributions outside of the annual distribution cycle. Where funds relating to particular activities carried out between AAUK’s corporate partners and local air ambulance charities have been fully received by AAUK, they should be distributed to the beneficiary charities as a matter of course and without undue delay. By definition, these will be restricted income distributions and they will be subject to the deduction of management cost charges as set out in AAUK’s Management Costs Policy. Trustees will be notified of any such distributions as part of the quarterly financial reporting process.
37 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **DISTRIBUTION POLICY**
## 5.Payment of annual distributions
Annual distributions will be provided for in the annual accounts at the date of the resolution to make them. Payment to beneficiaries will be made as soon as is practical and within one month at the latest.
## 6. Withholding of distributions
Trustees may (but is not obliged to) decide to withhold distributions from beneficiaries if they are –
a.Under investigation by an official regulator or,
b.Receipt of the distribution is judged likely to bring AAUK into disrepute or,
c.Believed not to be adhering to the code of conduct
When distributions are withheld it is recommended that for:
d.Annual distributions the amount that would have been paid is provided for in the annual accounts pending resolution
e.Interim distributions
i.the amount that would have been paid is provided for in the annual accounts pending resolution, or ii.the beneficiary is informed of their ineligibility and removed from the process.
When deciding to withhold a distribution or exclude a beneficiary, Trustees must have mind to the objective application of the criteria and must inform the beneficiary of their decision.
## Conflicts of interest and loyalty
In keeping with all decisions, individual Trustees must recluse themselves when decisions on distributions give rise to conflicts of interest and loyalty in accordance with provisions set out in the Charity’s Articles of Association.
38 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**RISK MANAGEMENT**
## Risks reviewed at our Board evolved during the year, and as at 31 December 2025 included:
## Introduction
1. The statement of recommended practice (SORP), issued by the Charity Commission, requires the inclusion of a statement in the Annual Report confirming the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, as identified by the Trustees, these must be regularly reviewed, and recorded measures are in place to mitigate those risks.
2. Day to day risk management and awareness is discharged by the Board of Trustees to the CEO/ Senior Management.
## Principal Risks
The Risk Register gives an assessment of each risk in terms of its perceived probability and its likely impact on AAUK. It also lists existing mitigation measures and those actions that should be taken to mitigate the risk further.
Risks are rated from 1 to 25 and RAG rated yellow, amber, green and red. The Risk Register is brought to the attention of Trustees quarterly or when a risk rated 16-25 is added to the Register. The principal risks, which would fundamentally threaten the effective operation of AAUK or prevent it from meeting its charitable objectives, are shown below.
R1a: Current economic crisis
R2a: Insufficient funds to meet strategic aims R2B: Insufficient funds to be a going concern R10: Cyber security
R12: Regulatory changes
R24: Lean structure creating over reliance on a small number of individual staff
39 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025**
The Trustees, who are also the directors of Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the group and the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the group for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the group and the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the group and the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the group and the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Sarah Thewlis Chair of Trustees AAUK Date: 15 June 2026
40 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||funds|funds||funds|funds||
|||2025|2025|2025|2024|2024|2024|
|Income from:
Donations and legacies|3|£1,181,986|£625,551|£1,807,537|£730,441|£642,013|£1,372,454|
|Charitable activities|4|£218,841|-|£218,841|£248,498|-|£248,498|
|Total income||£1,400,827|£625,551|£2,026,378|£978,939|£642,013|£1,620,952|
|Expenditure on:||||||||
|Raising funds|6|£274,974|-|£274,974|£268,330|-|£268,330|
|Charitable activities|5|£938,598|£642,013|£1,580,611|£627,049|£85,447|£712,496|
|Other expenditure|10|-|-|-|£48|-|£48|
|Total expenditure||£1,213,572|£642,013|£1,855,585|£895,427|£85,447|£980,874|
|Net (expenditure)/income
and movement in funds||£187,255|(£16,462)|£170,793|£83,512|£556,566|£640,078|
|Reconciliation of funds:||||||||
|Fund balances at 1 January
2025||£788,040|£642,013|£1,430,053|£704,528|£85,447|£789,975|
|Fund balances at 31
December 2025||£975,295|£625,551|£1,600,846|£788,040|£642,013|£1,430,053|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.
41 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|||2025||2024||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets|14
15||£15,246
£6,904||£15,120
£8,613|
||||£22,150||£23,733|
|Current assets||||||
|Debtors|16|532,967||£352,704||
|Cash at bank and in hand||1,148,076||£1,162,632||
|||1,681,043||£1,515,336||
|Creditors: amounts falling due within|17|(£102,347)||(£109,016)||
|one year||||||
|Net current assets|||£1,578,696||£1,406,320|
|Total assets less current liabilities|||£1,600,846||£1,430,053|
|Income funds||||||
|Restricted funds|19||£625,551||£642,013|
|Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Parent charity
Subsidiary company|18|£372
£878,741
£96,182||£19,372
£613,535
£155,133||
|Total unrestricted funds|||£975,295||£788,040|
|Total funds|||£1,600,846||£1,430,053|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15 June 2026.
Sarah Thewlis Chair of Trustees AAUK Date: 15 June 2026
Company Registration No: 09391251
42 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|||2025||2024||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fixed assets||||||
|Intangible assets|14||£15,246||£15,120|
|Tangible assets|15||£6,904||£8,613|
||||£22,150||£23,733|
|Current assets||||||
|Debtors||£454,090||£294,677||
|Cash at bank and in hand|16|£1,064,008||£999,731||
|||£1,518,098||£1,294,408||
|Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year|17|(£36,306)||(£43,220)||
|Net current assets|||£1,481,792||£1,251,188|
|Total assets less current liabilities|||£1,503,942||£1,274,921|
|Income funds||||||
|Restricted funds|19||£625,551||£642,013|
|Unrestricted funds||||||
|Designated funds
General unrestricted funds|18|£372
£878,019||£19,372
£613,536||
|Total unrestricted funds|||£878,391||£632,908|
|Total funds|||£1,503,942||£1,274,921|
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The Company uses the exemption contained in section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 in not preparing a separate Income and Expenditure account for the Charitable Company as a separate entity. The net income for the Charitable Company alone for the year to 31 December 2025 was a surplus of £229,021 (2024: £685,119 surplus)
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees 15 June 2026.
Sarah Thewlis Chair of Trustees AAUK Date: 15 June 2026
Company Registration No: 09391251
43 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|||2025||2024||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Cash flows from operating activities|23||(£7,456)||£414,606|
|Cash (absorbed by)/generated from||||||
|operations||||||
|Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of intangible fixed assets||(£2,472)
(£4,628)||(£15,120)
(£3,355)||
|Net cash used in investing activities|||(£7,100)||(£18,475)|
|Net cash used in financing activities|||-||-|
|Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents|||(£14,556)||£396,131|
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year|||£1,162,632||£766,501|
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of year|||£1,148,076||£1,162,632|
44 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 1 Accounting policies
## Charity information
Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is International House, The McLaren Building, 46 The Priory Queensway, Birmingham, B4 7LR.
The Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd is a facilitator for all air ambulance charities that have contractual rights over a helicopter used for emergency medical missions. It is responsive to donors who wish to donate to multiple air ambulance charities.
## 1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document,the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
## **1.2**
## Going concern
The charity's policy is to maintain a strong reserve position and a sufficient level of available resources. Trustees have overall responsibility for the timing and distribution of grants in accordance with the charity's distributions policy. The charity has adequate financial resources and is well placed to manage the business risks.The planning process of the trustees, including financial projections, takes into consideration the the cost- of- living on the fundraising environments. Our cash deposits can be drawn down should working capital be required. The key risks to our income continue to be the impact of the cost of living crisis.
The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
## 1.3 Basics of consolidation
The financial statements consolidate the results of the charity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited, on a line- by- line basis. Transactions and balances between the charity and its subsidiary have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Balances between the two companies are disclosed in the notes of the charity's balance sheet. A separate Statement of Financial Activities and Income and Expenditure Account for the charity has not been presented because the charity has taken advantage of the exemption afforded by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
45 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
1 Accounting policies
## (Continued)
## **1.4** Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
## 1.5 Income
Income is recognised when the Charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
Donated services and assets are recognised at the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount the Charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market. They are included in the SOFA and balance sheet as appropriate.
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable when there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.
A grant that specifies performance conditions is recognised in income when the performance conditions are met. Where a grant does not specify performance conditions it is recognised in income when the proceeds are received or receivable. A grant received before the recognition criteria are satisfied is recognised as a liability.
Membership subscriptions are invoiced annually in advance, and recognised in the period to which they relate, net of VAT.
## 1.6 Expenditure
All expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is recognised when there is a legal or constructive obligation to pay for expenditure. The Charitable Company is not registered for VAT and accordingly charity expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT. The subsidiary is VAT registered, therefore trading expenditure is included net of recoverable VAT.
Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred in the delivery of its activities and services for the beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Grants are accrued when confirmed and paid or are accrued for when a commitment has been agreed to be paid and communicated to a recipient.
46 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 1
## Accounting policies
## (Continued)
## 1.7 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill
Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Website 5 years straight line
The website will be amortised over 5 years once it goes live in March 2025.
## 1.8 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
Computers 3 years straight line
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
## 1.9 Impairment of fixed assets
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
## 1.10 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.
## 1.11 Financial instruments
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. The financial instruments are recognised as the amount payable or receivable when the instrument is first recognised together with any subsequent transaction costs but modified in respect of trade debtors for an assessment of potential bad debt.
## 1.12 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
## 1.13 Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases, including any lease incentives received, are charged as an expense on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
## 1.14 Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within 1 year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
47 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Accounting policies
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods
## Key sources of estimation uncertainty
## Gifts in kind
A key source of estimation uncertainty relates to the valuation of gifts in kind. During the year, gifts in kind with a total estimated value of £24,570 (2024: £nil) were recognised. The valuation of these gifts involves judgement in determining the equivalent market value. At the year end, £12,285 of this amount was recognised as a prepayment in respect of benefits to be received in future periods.
## 3 Income from donations and legacies
||Unrestricted
funds|Restricted
funds|Total|Unrestricted
funds|Restricted
funds|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||2025|2025|2025|2024|2024|2024|
|Donations and gifts|£617,532|£625,551|£1,243,083|£568,628|£642,013|£1,210,641|
|Legacies|£539,884|-|£539,884|£161,813|-|£161,813|
|Donated goods and
services|£24,570|-|£24,570|-|-|-|
||£1,181,986|£625,551|£1,807,537|£730,441|£642,013|£1,372,454|
## 4 Charitable activities
|4 Charitable activities|||
|---|---|---|
||2025|2024|
|Group membership of Fundraising Regulator|£54,645|£42,737|
|Membership subscriptions|£37,415|£90,504|
|Sundry income|-|£379|
|Industry supporter fees|£600|-|
|Conference income|£126,181|£114,878|
||£218,841|£248,498|
## Charitable trading income
All of the charitable income above relates to income received by the charity's trading subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited. These funds are primarily used to fund the annual conference and other expenditure of the trading subsidiary.
48 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 5 Expenditure on charitable activities
|5 Expenditure on charitable activities|||
|---|---|---|
||Charitable|Charitable|
||activities 2025|activities 2024|
|Direct costs
Staff costs|£95,577|£94,732|
|Conference expenditure|£107,755|£82,625|
||£203,332|£177,357|
|Grant funding of activities (see note 8)|£899,725|£169,725|
|Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)|||
|Support|£459,362|£343,196|
|Governance|£18,192|£22,218|
||£1,580,611|£712,496|
|Analysis by fund|||
|Unrestricted funds|£938,598|£627,049|
|Restricted funds|£642,013|£85,447|
||£1,580,611|£712,496|
Of the charitable expenditure above, £276,877 (including £107,755 of conference expenditure) relates to the costs of the charity's trading subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited (2024: £293,539). These amounts are entirely paid out of the trading subsidiary's income from memberships, sponsorships and conference ticket income (see note 4 to these financial statements). Any trading profits made are retained for use in future events, or donated to AAUK directly for distribution to the 21 Air Ambulance Charities.
## 6 Raising funds
|6 Raising funds||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Unrestricted
funds|Restricted|funds|Total|Unrestricted
funds|
|Fundraising and publicity|2025||2025|2025|2024|
|Staff costs|£182,682|-||£182,682|£214,871|
|Depreciation and impairment|£6,337|-||£6,337|£4,663|
|Support costs|£85,955|-||£85,955|£48,796|
|Fundraising and publicity|£274,974|-||£274,974|£268,330|
||£274,974|-||£274,974|£268,330|
Of the charitable expenditure above, £194 relates to the costs of the charity's trading subsidiary, Association of Air Ambulances Limited (2024: £4,543). These amounts are entirely paid out of the trading subsidiary's income from memberships, sponsorships and conference ticket income (see note 4 to these financial statements). Any trading profits made are retained for use in future events, or donated to AAUK directly for distribution to the 21 Air Ambulance Charities.
49 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
7 Support costs allocated to activities
||Basis of
allocation|2025|2024|
|---|---|---|---|
|Staff costs|_Direct_|£231,442|£153,481|
|Depreciation|_Direct_|£2,346|-|
|Travel and subsistence|_Direct_|£25,846|£21,300|
|Bank charges|_Direct_|£1,418|£821|
|Advertising and marketing|_Direct_|£92,276|£54,207|
|Printing, stationery and
telephone|_Direct_|£7,412|£3,765|
|Legal and professional
fees|_Direct_|£84,567|£85,801|
|IT, film and website costs|_Direct_|£41,471|£20,367|
|Insurance|_Direct_|£8,755|£4,967|
|Board and committee
meetings|_Direct_|£2,207|£9,377|
|Recruitment & Other
Staff Costs|_Direct_|£43,594|£31,617|
|General expenses|_Direct_|£3,983|£2,539|
|Governance Costs|_Direct_|£18,192|£22,218|
|Bad and doubtful debts|_Direct_|-|£3,750|
|||£563,509|£414,210|
|Analysed between:
Fundraising||£85,955|£48,796|
|Charitable activities||£477,554|£365,414|
|||£563,509|£414,210|
|Governance costs||||
|comprise:||||
|Audit fees||£9,000|£8,700|
|Legal and professional||£9,192|£13,518|
|||£18,192|£22,218|
50 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|**TES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**R THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**|||
|---|---|---|
||Total|Total|
||2025|2024|
|8 Grants payable|||
|Grants to institutions:|||
|Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex|£51,903|£13,258|
|Air Ambulance Northern Ireland|£24,349|£5,722|
|Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust|£24,349|£5,722|
|Devon Air Ambulance Trust|£58,849|£5,722|
|The Dorset and Somerset Ambulance Charity|£29,712|£6,655|
|East Anglian Air Ambulance|£28,431|£28,218|
|Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust|£24,349|£5,722|
|Great North Air Ambulance Service|£24,082|£5,639|
|Great Western Air Ambulance Charity|£65,949|£6,655|
|Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance|£29,712|£11,655|
|Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance Charitable Trust|£56,731|£10,284|
|London's Air Ambulance Charity|£78,119|£6,655|
|Magpas Air Ambulance|£33,849|£5,722|
|Midlands Air Ambulance Charity|£24,141|£5,722|
|North West Air Ambulance Charity|£76,012|£6,655|
|Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance|£72,757|£5,722|
|The Air Ambulance Service|£98,695|£8,429|
|Thames Valley Air Ambulance|£25,330|£8,485|
|Wales Air Ambulance|£24,349|£5,722|
|Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charitable Trust|£23,717|£5,722|
|Yorkshire Air Ambulance Limited|£24,340|£5,639|
||£899,725|£169,725|
Grants payable consist of distributions of accumulated free reserves to qualifying charities and grants paid from the Jude Morris Innovation Fund and Improving Outcomes Fund. They do not form part of the Charity’s operational costs but as a movement in funds they are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA). The Net income/ (expenditure) and movement in funds reported in the SOFA can be reconciled to operational financial performance as follows:
||2025|2025|2024|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Total (Unrestricted and Restricted|||||
|Funds) operational financial||£1,070,518||£809,803|
|surplus/(deficit)|||||
|Less:|||||
|Distributions to Charities paid from|£780,725||£154,725||
|accumulated free reserves|||||
|Jude Morris Innovation Fund grants
paid from designated reserve|£19,000||£15,000||
|Improving Outcomes Fund grants
paid from designated reserves|£100,000||-||
|||(£899,725)||(£169,725)|
|SOFA Total net|||||
|income/(expenditure) and||£170,793||£640,078|
|movement in funds for the year|||||
51 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 9 Trustees
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year.
During the year 7 (2024: 8) trustees were reimbursed travel, stationery and printing costs totalling £2,319 (2024: £3,376).
## Grants to connected charities
During the year the Charity made grants to a number of Air Ambulance charities where Trustees are either Trustees of that charity or key management personnel.
Daryl Brown who is also CEO of MAGPAS which received £33,849 during the year (2024: £5,722).
Amanda Mclean who is also CEO of Thames Valley Air Ambulance which received £25,330 during the year (2024: £8,485).
Anna Perry who is also CEO of Great Western Air Ambulance Charity which received £65,949 during the year (2024: £6,655). David Welch who is also CEO of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex which received £51,903 during the year (2024: £13,258). Peta Wilkinson who is also CEO of The Air Ambulance Service which received £98,695 during the year (2024: £8,429)
Matthew Jones who is also the CEO of East Anglian Air Ambulance which received £28,431 during the year (2024: £28,218)
## 10 Other expenditure
||Unrestricted funds|Unrestricted funds|
|---|---|---|
||2025|2024|
|Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets|-|£48|
## 11 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
|The average monthly number of employees during the year was:|||
|---|---|---|
||2025|2024|
||Number|Number|
|Fundraising staff|5|6|
|Administrative staff|8|6|
|Total|13|12|
|Employment costs|2025|2024|
|Wages and salaries|£446,984|£410,687|
|Social security costs|£44,603|£37,025|
|Other pension costs|£18,114|£15,372|
||£509,701|£463,084|
52 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 11 Employees (continued)
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows:
||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
||Number|Number|
|£80,001 - £90,000|1|1|
|Pension contributions in respect of higher paid employees was £Nil (2024: £3,000)|||
|12 Retirement benefit schemes|||
|Defined contribution schemes|2025|2024|
|Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes|£18,114|£15,372|
The Group operates a defined contribution scheme for all qualifying employees.
The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Group being an independently administered fund.
## 13 Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes. The charity's trading subsidiary has a tax charge for the year of £nil (2024: £nil)
## 14 Intangible fixed assets
|Group||
|---|---|
||Website|
|Cost
At 1 January 2025
Additions - separately acquired
Disposals|£37,138
£2,472
(£22,018)|
|At 31 December 2025|£17,592|
|Amortisation and impairment||
|At 1 January 2025
Amortisation charged for the year
Disposals|£22,018
£2,346
(£22,018)|
|At 31 December 2025|£2,346|
|Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025|£15,246|
|At 31 December 2024|£15,120|
53 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 14 Intangible fixed assets (continued)
|Charity||
|---|---|
||Website|
|Cost||
|At 1 January 2025|£15,120|
|Additions - separately acquired|£2,472|
|At 31 December 2025|£17,592|
|Amortisation and impairment|-|
|At 1 January 2025
Amortisation charge for the year|£2,346|
||£2,346|
|Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025|£15,246|
|At 31 December 2024|£15,120|
|15 Tangible fixed assets||
|Group & charity||
||Computers|
|Cost
At 1 January 2025
Additions
Disposals|£17,917
£4,628
(£57)|
|At 31 December 2025|£22,488|
|Depreciation and impairment||
|At 1 January 2025|£9,304|
|Depreciation charged in the year|£6,337|
|Eliminated in respect of disposals|(£57)|
|At 31 December 2025|£15,584|
|Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025|£6,904|
|At 31 December 2024|£8,613|
54 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 16 Debtors
|Group|2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
|Amounts falling due within one year:|||
|Funds awaiting collection|£40,076|£131,806|
|Trade debtors|£17,847|£12,686|
|Other debtors|£4,910|£6,949|
|Prepayments and accrued income|£470,134|£201,263|
||£532,967|£352,704|
|Charity|||
|Amounts falling due within one year:|2025|2024|
|Funds awaiting collection|£40,075|£131,807|
|Trade debtors|£5,309|£10,000|
|Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings|£420|-|
|Prepayments|£158,286|£152,870|
||£204,090|£294,677|
|17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year|||
|Group|2025|2024|
|Other taxation and social security|£13,483|£11,360|
|Trade creditors|£9,701|£10,639|
|Accruals and deferred income|£79,163|£87,017|
||£102,347|£109,016|
|Charity|2025|2024|
|Other taxation and social security|£13,483|£11,360|
|Trade creditors|£2,876|£8,576|
|Accruals|£19,242|£23,284|
||£35,601|£43,220|
55 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 18 Unrestricted funds
The income funds of the charity and group include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:
||At 1 January|Incoming|Resources|At 31|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||2025|resources|expended|December 2025|
|Jude Morris Innovation and
Development Fund|£19,372|-|(£19,000)|£372|
|Improving Outcomes Fund|-|£100,000|(£100,000)|-|
|General funds|£768,668|£1,300,827|(£1,094,572)|£974,923|
||£788,040|£1,400,827|(£1,213,572)|£975,295|
|Previous year:|At 1 January|Incoming|Resources|At 31|
||2024|resources|expended|December 2024|
|Jude Morris Innovation and
Development Fund|£17,372|£17,000|(£15,000)|£19,372|
|General funds|£687,156|£961,939|(£880,427)|£768,668|
||£704,528|£978,939|(£895,427)|£788,040|
The Jude Morris Innovation and Development Fund was created as part of the charity's strategy ‘Saving More Lives Together’ 2021- 2025. This fund is accessible to the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities. The purpose of each fund is decided by the board of trustees. The fund is open to applications focussed on emerging technology for PHEM, research which demonstrates an aim to improve patient care, training to develop, support and enable new PHEM interventions for air ambulance crews. It was temporarily closed during the second half of 2025 but will re- open in 2026.
The Improving Outcomes Fund was created through the support of the fund’s founding fundraising partners HCC Solicitors and Slater and Gordon Lawyers UK. The fund is accessible to the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities and is open to grant applications focussed on creating equity in aftercare for air ambulance patients and crews, ensuring that provisions are in place to support them through the emotional effects of what can be a traumatic and life- changing incident.
Unrestricted incoming resources include income from specific donors based on a set percentage of their donation, in line with the charity’s management costs policy within the agreements with these donors. It has been agreed whereby a set percentage can be deducted to cover the charity’s management costs.
56 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 19 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
||Movement in funds|Movement in funds|||Movement in funds|Movement in funds||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Balance at 1
January 2024|Incoming
resources|Net
distributions|Balance at
1 January 2025|Incoming
resources|Net
distributions|Balance at
31 December
2025|
|Brown & Co|£20,347|£7,700|(£20,347)|£7,700|-|(£7,700)|-|
|Kwik Fit|£33,037|£271,432|(£33,037)|£271,432|£270,838|(£271,432)|£270,838|
|Peninsula|-|£218,276|-|£218,276|£257,462|(£218,276)|£257,462|
|Ringway
Infrastructure|-|£1,077|-|£1,077|-|(£1,077)|-|
|BBC lifeline
appeal|-|£38,311|-|£38,311|-|(£38,311)|-|
|Road Haulage
Association|£3,684|£3,659|(£3,684)|£3,659|£3,696|(£3,659)|£3,696|
|NACFB|-|£26,781|-|£26,781|-|(£26,781)|-|
|Woodbridge||||||||
|School L2B cycle
ride|-|£10,455|-|£10,455|-|(£10,455)|-|
|Major donation|£10,989|£10,889|(£10,989)|£10,889|£11,000|(£10,889)|£11,000|
|Ageas|£15,207|£52,063|(£15,207)|£52,063|£20,224|(£52,063)|£20,224|
|Legacies|-|-|-|-|£60,945|-|£60,945|
|Bedford Car Club|-|-|-|-|£1,377|-|£1,377|
|Other restricted
income|£2,183|£1,370|(£2,183)|£1,370|9|(£1,370)|9|
||£85,447|£642,013|(£85,447)|£642,013|£625,551|(£642,013)|£625,551|
During the year, the charity received restricted income from several supporters. Of the donations received in the year, £315,940 was specified to be distributed equally among the 21 Air Ambulance charities, most of which related to donations received from Kwik Fit, Ageas, Peninsula and the Road Haulage Association. All other restricted funds received during the year, totalling £309,611 were restricted to specific Air Ambulance charities.
57 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
|20 Analysis of net assets between funds
Group|Unrestricted Funds
2025|Designated
Funds 2025|Restricted
Funds 2025|Total 2025|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fund balances at 31 December 2025 are|||||
|represented by:|||||
|Intangible fixed assets|£15,246|-|-|£15,246|
|Tangible assets|£6,904|-|-|£6,904|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|£952,773|£372|£625,551|£1,578,696|
||£974,923|£372|£625,551|£1,600,846|
|Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are|Unrestricted Funds
2024|Designated
Funds 2024|Restricted
Funds 2024|Total 2024|
|represented by:|||||
|Intangible fixed assets|£15,120|-|-|£15,120|
|Tangible assets|£8,613|-|-|£8,613|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|£758,325|£19,372|£628,623|£1,406,320|
||£782,058|£19,372|£628,623|£1,430,053|
|Charity
Fund balances at 31 December 2025 are|Unrestricted Funds
2025|Designated
Funds 2025|Restricted
Funds 2025|Total 2025|
|represented by:|||||
|Intangible fixed assets|£15,246|-|-|£15,246|
|Tangible assets
Current assets/(liabilities)|£6,904
£855,869|-
£372|-
£625,551|£6,904
£1,481,792|
||£878,019|£372|£625,551|£1,503,942|
|Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are
represented by:|Unrestricted Funds
2024|Designated
Funds 2024|Restricted
Funds 2024|Total 2024|
|Intangible fixed assets|£15,120|-|-|£15,120|
|Tangible assets|£8,613|-|-|£8,613|
|Current assets/(liabilities)|£603,193|£19,372|£628,623|£1,251,188|
||£626,926|£19,372|£628,623|£1,274,921|
## 21 Legal status of the charity
The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is restricted to a sum not exceeding £10.
58 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025**
## 22 Related party transactions
## Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.
## Aggregate compensation
|2025|2024|
|---|---|
|£80,000|£79,298|
All transactions with trustees and other charities of which they are also trustees have been included on note 9 of these financial statements.
## 23 Cash generated from operations
||||
|---|---|---|
|ash generated from operations|2025|2024|
|(Deficit)/surpus for the year|£170,793|£640,078|
|Adjustments for:
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets|-|£48|
|Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets|£2,346|-|
|Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets|£6,337|£4,663|
|Movements in working capital:|||
|Decrease/(increase) in debtors|(£180,263)|(£128,788)|
|(Decrease)/increase in creditors|(£6,669)|(£101,395)|
|Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations|(£7,456)|£414,606|
## 24 Analysis of changes in net funds
Neither the group or charity had any debt during the year.
## 25 Subsidiaries
The charitable company is the sole member of Association of Air Ambulances Limited, a company registered in England and Wales, company number 08341197. All activities have been consolidated on a line by line basis in the statement of financial activities. A summary of the results of the subsidiary for the year ended 31 December 2025 is shown below:
Turnover: £218,841 (2024: £248,499) Profit/(Loss): £(58,229) (2024: £(45,040))
The aggregate of assets, liabilities and funds was:
Assets: £163,365 (2024:£220,930) Liabilities: £66,461 (2024:£65,797) Funds: £96,904 (2024:£155,133)
59 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
**INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT**
## Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members and Trustees of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (operating as Air Ambulances UK)
## Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (the ‘parent charity’) and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated balance sheet, the charity balance sheet, the consolidated statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and parent charity's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of the group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
## Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group and parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
60 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT**
## Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees' annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
## Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
- the information given in the Trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared, which includes the directors' report prepared for the purposes of company law, is consistent with the financial statements; and
- the directors' report included within the Trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
## Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations (as amended) requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- adequate and sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the parent charitable company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
- the parent charitable company's financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records or returns; or
- certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
- the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies' regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
## Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the parent charitable company for the purpose of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
61 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT**
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the group and parent charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the group or parent charitable company or to cease the operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
## Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under the Companies Act 2006 and section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and and report in accordance with those Acts.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included the following:
- Enquiry of management and those charged with governance around actual and potential litigation and claims.
- Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
- Assessing the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations considered to have a material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the group through enquiry and inspection. Reviewing financial statement disclosures and testing to supporting documentation to assess compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Auditing the risk of management override of controls, including through testing journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, and evaluating the rationale of significant transactions outside the normal course of activities, and reviewing accounting estimates for indicators of potential bias.
62 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT**
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC's website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/ library/ standards-codes-policy/ audit-assurance-and-ethics/ auditors-responsibilities-for-the-audit/ . This description forms part of our auditor's report.
## Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and to the Trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members and Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mark McLean FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) Thomas and Young Limited
Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor
Carleton House 266-268 Stratford Road Shirley Solihull West Midlands B90 3AD
Date: 15 June 2026
63 | Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd (Operating as Air Ambulances UK) - Annual report 2025
www.airambulancesuk.orginfo@airambulancesuk.org 01564 339958 Follow us @airambulancesuk
Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd Operating as Air Ambulances UK International House | The McLaren Building 46 The Priory Queensway, Birmingham | B4 7LR
Incorporated and Registered in England and Wales: Registered Company Number 9391251 and Registered Charity Number 1161153. Registered in Scotland SC051021 Association of Air Ambulances Ltd is a subsidiary of the Association of Air Ambulances (Charity) Ltd and is Incorporated and Registered in England and Wales: Registered Company Number 08341197