Lifesaving charity Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) is almost a quarter of a way to its mammoth £3.6 million fundraising goal and is appealing for help to break the £1 million barrier before Christmas.

Thanks to remarkable support, the charity has raised £860,000 towards the Operation Airbase appeal in just three months, but is looking to top £1 million this month. 

The charity's biggest ever fundraising appeal Operation Airbase, which the Daily Echo helped launch in September, aims to raise millions towards relocating its airbase to a site close to Southampton Airport. 

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The £9 million needed to acquire the building has already been raised, but £3.6 million more is needed to convert and equip the site into a purpose-built hangar and office, including the additions of a helipad and hangar doors.

The relocation will drastically reduce response times across the region, giving every patient the best chance of survival and recovery.

A spokesperson said: "After launching our Operation Airbase appeal in September, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support we have received from the local community.

"Now, almost a quarter of the way to our goal, we need your help in our mission to reach £1 million for Christmas.

"Whether you forgo the office Secret Santa or donate in lieu of buying Christmas cards, we need your help.

"Your donation will help us get one step closer to our new home – meaning we can save time on every mission and save even more lives."

(Image: Tim Wallace) Donate at hiowaa.org/appeal

HIOWAA is moving from its current airbase in Thruxton, Andover, where it has been based since 2007, to the site in Eastleigh. 

The move will mean doctors and paramedics can reach almost every patient in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight within 10 minutes of take-off – in contrast to the current time of 20 minutes or more for some.

Around 70 per cent of the charity’s call-outs are to the south of the region - Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight – a considerable distance from the current airbase which sits on the north-western edge of Hampshire.