A huge thank you to the Red Rosettes Ladies Singing group who donated a brilliant £300 to the North West Air Ambulance – and treated us to a fantastic adapted performance of “You Raise Me Up.”

Both of our EC135 helicopters were grounded following an announcement from the manufacturer, Bond, that there was an issue with an identical model in Scotland.  After full checks, both North West Air Ambulance models have today been given clearance from Bond to go back up in the air.

Lynda Brislin, Chief Executive of the North West Air Ambulance charity, commented, “We are pleased to announce that following extensive checks, both of our helicopters are back in flight.

“In line with European guidance we have been monitoring our helicopters closely and are confident that we have not experienced a similar problem – but we did not want to risk the safety of our staff and patients.

“Although we were able to keep our service active yesterday with a replacement aircraft, it is great to hear that our helicopters are safe so it’s back to business as usual.”

The winning prize was four tickets to any sporting event filmed by British Eurosport – a brilliant prize!!

We can reveal the lucky winner was Sally Bostock, of Tarvin near Chester. Congratulations!

Huge thanks go to all involved, and everyone who supported the charity on the day.

A replacement aircraft was instated.

Lynda Brislin, Chief Executive, North West Air Ambulance charity commented, “It is obviously concerning to hear that there has been an recurrent issue with the EC135, which is the make of helicopter that we use. In line with European guidance we have been monitoring our helicopters closely and are confident that we have not experienced a similar problem – but we can not risk the safety of our staff and patients.

“Therefore, following a directive from the company we lease our helicopters from, we grounded both of our helicopters as soon as we were notified.

“We are pleased to confirm that a replacement aircraft was airborne from lunchtime today.

“While this is far from ideal, we sometimes cannot fly due to bad weather so there are robust systems in place for when we are unable to operate.

“At this time we are unable to comment further about when the EC135 will be operational again.”

If anyone has any questions regarding this issue, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Paramedics, pilots and staff from the charity’s head office will tweet their every movement through the charity’s @NWAirAmbulance Twitter feed as they attend life-saving missions and manage the crucial fundraising which keeps the organisation operational.

The updates will provide followers with a rounded view of how the life-saving service operates from both the air and on the ground.

Lynda Brislin, chief executive of the North West Air Ambulance, said: “As a charity which relies so heavily on the generosity of the public, we wanted to give our supporters the chance to see what is achieved through their kind donations.

“The North West Air Ambulance flies seven days a week, 365 days a year throughout five counties in the North West, a region which covers vast terrain, mountain peaks and a complex motorway network. This wouldn’t be possible without the public’s support, and it will be great to give everyone an insight into how our life-saving charity operates.”

The hens, called The Three Degrees, Ginger, and Mrs Toes, can lay up to three dozen eggs each week.

Jane and her vet husband, Brian, sell the eggs once a week during a veterinary clinic that takes place every Wednesday evening between 5pm-7pm at Pets Corner pet store on Bank Street, Rawtenstall.

Jane told us, “People’s generosity has been amazing. We sell the eggs for £1 for half a dozen, meaning we should raise around £5 for 2.5 dozen eggs. Yet last week we made nearer £18. People give us much more than the £1 selling price because it’s such a great cause.

“We started selling the eggs to raise money for North West Air Ambulance in December and in just three months we had raised £102.52. We had to empty the collection tin as it got too heavy to carry around.”

A huge thanks to Jane and Brian for their generosity and kindness!

The Colne-based business selected the North West Air Ambulance as its ‘Charity of the Year’ in February 2011 and raised a staggering £37,309 through twelve months of fundraising fun.

The company’s Coaches Manager, Sharon Hurst, and Store Director, Jane Daunt, travelled to Manchester this week to present the cheque.

We are extremely grateful to all at Boundary Mill for their kindness and generosity. Thank you!

Paul Wild, who plays for Stockport-based Mellor FC, required urgent medical assistance when he broke his leg in two places whilst playing against Hooley Bridge Celtic at Brabyns Park.

Paul was airlifted to Stepping Hill Hospital and our charity has since received notes of personal thanks from members of the club who witnessed the incident.

George Dearsley, chairman of Mellor FC, said: “We were all bowled over by the caring and professional behaviour of the crew and want to offer both the paramedics and the charity our most sincere gratitude.

“Paul has since undergone surgery and we are grateful that the North West Air Ambulance was able to get him to hospital in the fastest and most comfortable way possible.”