A north-east garage has donated a brand new SUV to a life-saving air ambulance crew after learning of the team’s “genuinely astonishing” work.
Peterhead dealership Gillanders Motors has decided to get behind Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) after the organisation recently launched an Aberdeen-based copter to respond to accidents and emergencies around the region.
The white MG HS automatic now sports the charity’s branding and is being used at SCAA’s new base in Dyce.
The vehicle will be used to assist the charity in a wide variety of tasks locally and across the country.
SCAA already had one aircraft in Perth and launched Helimed 79 this year to double its capacity to help out people in life-or-death situations.
Sales manager at Gillanders, Mark Stevenson, said: “The addition of a locally based Helimed will save lives – particularly given the rural geography of Aberdeenshire.
“SCAA exists to help those in the worst of times. The crews, medics, volunteers and support staff at SCAA do an incredible job and we are proud to support such a fantastic cause.
“The costs of operating the charity are significant and removing the need to purchase even one vehicle will release more funding to the front line operation.”
The initial support was for one vehicle for one year, however, discussions are being held which could lead to that term being extended and the possibility of providing additional motors where required.
Mr Stevenson added: “During talks with SCAA, it was genuinely astonishing to hear accounts of the lives saved by the air ambulance, the dedication of their crews and the huge efforts made by the fundraising teams.
“Their need for support is now greater than ever and Gillanders Motors and MG Motors UK are delighted to be able to play a part in keeping the charity moving.”
SCAA’s director of fundraising and communications, Nick Harvey, said: “Having a vehicle based at our Aberdeen base will enable us to fulfill a wide variety of charity and fundraising demands.
“It’s a fantastic gesture and we can’t thank them enough for their support and friendship to SCAA and our front line emergency role.”
Last month the charity received a share of a £6 million UK Government fund to meet increased and changing demand due to Covid-19.
