‘Every mission starts with you’: Northamptonshire air ambulance marks national campaign
The air ambulance serving Northamptonshire is highlighting the lifesaving work of its crews as part of a national awareness week.
Air Ambulance Week 2026 is running from September 7 to 13, bringing charities across the UK together under the message “Every Mission Starts With You”.
Your Local Air Ambulance, which covers Northamptonshire as well as Warwickshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, responds to around 10 emergency missions every day.
Its specialist doctors and critical care paramedics deliver advanced medical treatment at the scene of serious incidents, supported by the service’s pilots.
Each mission costs around £2,500 and the charity says it receives no government or National Lottery funding towards its daily missions, instead relying on public donations.
The service is operated by The Air Ambulance Service, which also runs the National Children’s Air Ambulance, providing specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children across the UK.
Air Ambulances UK says crews across the country are dispatched to more than 137 lifesaving missions every day.
Mike McGrath, chief executive of Air Ambulances UK, said: “Behind every lifesaving mission is the support of people and organisations backing their local air ambulance, whether through donations, fundraising, volunteering, or helping to raise awareness – every action makes such an impact.
“Air Ambulance Week is an opportunity to recognise that vital support and the role it plays in helping crews deliver lifesaving care across the UK.”
The National Children’s Air Ambulance works alongside 11 NHS paediatric retrieval teams to transfer critically ill babies and children between hospitals.
Its missions cost around £5,700 each and are also funded through public support.
The Air Ambulance Service is currently raising money through its Big Bases Appeal to support future missions and a building project.