Help Bristol find homes for 27 fully funded lifesaving defibs
August 28, 2025
As part of our ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the importance of our critical care and air ambulance service for anyone who needs us in our region, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has been delighted to welcome MPs to our airbase.
It’s a chance to share the impact our service has on local lives, to build on the MP’s knowledge of what it takes to keep an air ambulance operational, and to stress the importance of ensuring we can be here for future generations.
Cameron Thomas MP for Tewkesbury
On Monday 11 August 2025 we welcomed Cameron to our airbase in Almondsbury for a tour, to meet our team, and to discuss some key topics and our current priorities.
Key topics
CEO Anna Perry highlighted the need for capital investment in the airbase to make it fit for purpose - now and in the future, so we can raise funds and deliver our lifesaving service to evermore people. Anna spoke about the need for dedicated capital funding, similar to the money recently received by hospices, for this capital spend.
Secondly, they spoke about the importance of enhancing public awareness in the Tewkesbury, Gloucester and Cheltenham areas because GWAAC is reliant on the generosity of local communities to keep our service operational.
All of which is so important because of the upward trend in the number of people our crew get called to help each year. 2024 was our busiest year on record for call-outs to Gloucestershire, with 621 people needing the skills of our specialist team (27% of GWAAC’s total call-outs). And in the first six months of 2025, our crew rushed to help an average of two to three people every week in the Tewkesbury constituency area; incidents ranged from car and bicycle accidents, falls and agricultural incidents through to cardiac arrests and other medical emergencies.
Cameron was impressed with the critical care service provided to the region
“We need to support this vital service, our primary air ambulance for Gloucestershire. The incredibly skilled Specialist Paramedics, Doctors, staff and volunteers deserve our continued support to save lives across our community.”
Previous experience in the RAF meant Cameron already had an insight into the workings of an operational airbase. His visit to GWAAC’s airbase helped him understand the importance of our critical care service to his constituents and to our whole region.
We very much enjoyed showing Cameron around our airbase and chatting about our current priorities. Anna said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Cameron, and answer his insightful and informed questions about how GWAAC’s work meets the needs of his constituents. We’re so grateful for Cameron’s support, especially in helping more people understand the area we serve and the challenges we face in doing so.”
We’re grateful for Matt’s continued support, especially in helping more people understand the vast area we serve and the challenges we face in keeping the service going.”
Cameron Thomas (centre) poses with SPCC Dee Dale and CEO Anna Perry
Helimed 65 pictured in Tewkesbury
Tessa Munt MP for Wells and Mendip Hills
On 18 August 2025 we welcomed Tessa to our airbase in Almondsbury for a tour, to meet our teams, and to discuss some key topics and our current priorities.
Key topics
CEO Anna Perry highlighted the need for capital investment in the airbase to make it fit for purpose - now and in the future, so we can raise funds and deliver our lifesaving service to evermore people. Anna spoke about the need for dedicated capital funding, similar to the money recently received by hospices, for this capital spend. As part of these developments, and a shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility, GWAAC’s ambitions to deliver sustainable renewable energy was discussed.
Secondly, they spoke about the needs of a diverse range of constituents, from rural farming communities to those based in the Mendip Hills’ thriving market towns. Tessa gained an insight into how every element of GWAAC’s care ensures our crew can be there for anyone, anywhere, any time — from our aircraft’s size to our tailored clinical equipment.
All of which is so important because of the upward trend in the number of people our crew get called to help each year. 2024 was our busiest year on record for call-outs to North Somerset, with 277 people needing the skills of our specialist team (and an additional 84 call-outs in Somerset). And in the first six months of 2025, our crew rushed to help an average of six people every week in North Somerset; incidents ranged from car and bicycle accidents, farming or equestrian incidents through to cardiac arrests and other medical emergencies.
Tessa Munt praised the vital role of our service in the region
“It was a great pleasure to meet the Great Western Air Ambulance team and have a chance to thank them for the incredible job they do. I was particularly interested to learn about GWAAC’s work with children and young people through the Great Western Hearts programme.
The team at GWAAC do an amazing job, it is unbelievable that they rely on charitable donations for this vital lifesaving service. In a rural community such as ours we couldn’t do without them.”
A passionate ambassador for local community issues, Tessa was keen to lend her support to GWAAC and learn more about the charity’s operations in the South West. With a wide-ranging professional background, including education and the social care sector, Tessa was particularly interested in GWAAC’s work with children and young people through our Great Western Hearts programme.
We very much enjoyed welcoming Tessa to the airbase to discuss our current priorities. Anna said, “It was a pleasure to meet Tessa and talk about the service GWAAC provides for her constituents and the wider region. Tessa’s care and compassion for people is clear to see, and we look forward to continuing our work together for the residents of North Somerset and beyond.”
Helimed 65 near Rowberrow, Mendip Hills
Helimed 65 in Sandford, Mendip Hills
Matt Bishop MP for the Forest of Dean
On Monday 28 July 2025 we welcomed Matt and Amy Lancaster, his Chief of Staff, to our airbase in Almondsbury for a tour, to meet our teams, and to discuss some key topics and our current priorities.
Key topics
CEO Anna Perry highlighted the need for capital investment in the airbase to make it fit for purpose - now and in the future, so we can raise funds and deliver our lifesaving service to evermore people. Anna spoke about the need for dedicated capital funding, similar to the money recently received by hospices, for this capital spend. Secondly, they spoke about the importance of enhancing public awareness in the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas because GWAAC is reliant on the generosity of local communities to keep our service operational. All of which is so important because of the upward trend in the number of people our crew get called to help each year. 2024 was our busiest year on record for call-outs to Gloucestershire, with 621 people needing the skills of our specialist team (27% of GWAAC’s total call-outs). And in the first six months of 2025, our crew rushed to help an average of three people every week in the Forest of Dean; incidents ranged from car and bicycle accidents, farming or equestrian incidents through to cardiac arrests and other medical emergencies.
"It’s important that we have GWAAC’s service as they can reach anyone across the region within 20 minutes—which matters a lot when every second counts, especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas, which we have lots of. I encourage everyone to support them if they can. The Specialist Paramedics, doctors, staff and volunteers deserve our continued support.”
Matt has been a keen supporter of GWAAC for a long time due to his involvement in the Forest of Dean District Council and Cinderford Town Council, prior to his election in 2024. Previous experience in the Police Force means Matt is very aware of the importance of the emergency services to his constituents and to our whole community.
We very much enjoyed showing Matt and Amy around our airbase and chatting about our current priorities. Anna said, “It was a pleasure to welcome Matt and Amy, and talk about how GWAAC supports communities across our region.
We’re grateful for Matt’s continued support, especially in helping more people understand the vast area we serve and the challenges we face in keeping the service going.”
Matt Bishop (centre) poses with Pilot Rich MacLaughlin and CEO Anna Perry
Helimed 65 pictured in Coalway, Forest of Dean
