Magpas Air Ambulance Funds Take Off Thanks to New Banking Boost

Cambridgeshire’s Magpas Air Ambulance is giving its lifesaving mission an extra lift this year, as the charity continues to expand its work across the East of England and strengthen its community impact.

Founded in 1971, Magpas Air Ambulance has been saving lives across the region for more than 50 years. Its advanced medical team responds to serious incidents 24/7, including road traffic collisions and cardiac arrests, and is specially trained to deliver hospital-level treatment at the scene. Last year alone, the team responded to 1,796 emergency missions via its air ambulance helicopter and four rapid response vehicles.

Beyond its emergency work, Magpas Air Ambulance plays a vital role in building community resilience. Over the past year, the charity has seen volunteer hours rise by 38% as local people continue to rally behind its mission, and has trained almost 7,000 people in the vital skills of CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Looking ahead, Magpas Air Ambulance aims to double that number by introducing a dedicated trainer in Bedfordshire to build on its community training initiatives. 

Additionally, the charity plans to invest in even more specialist equipment to meet the growing demand for its services; such as vital new life monitors that are crucial for the treatment of many of their patients. The new monitors are at the forefront of the latest technology, which will not only help future proof Magpas Air Ambulance’s service, but also ensure the charity can continue to provide patients with the highest standard of care available.

To support these ambitions, Magpas Air Ambulance has opened a new high-interest savings account with Allica Bank, helping its charitable funds work harder while maintaining instant access to cash when it’s needed. The move is already generating additional income – money that will go straight back into saving lives across the region.

Dane Jones, Finance Manager at Magpas Air Ambulance, explained: “Every mission we fly has the potential to save a life, so making sure our money works as hard as possible really matters. The flexibility of Allica Bank’s savings account means we can earn higher interest without locking money away – which is crucial when every minute, and every penny, counts.”

Emily Hopkins, Relationship Manager at Allica Bank, said she’s been inspired by the charity’s impact: “Magpas Air Ambulance does such inspiring work for people across Cambridgeshire and beyond. It’s been a real privilege to support them and see how every pound raised helps save lives. I’m actually planning to take part in one of their lifesaving courses next month – it’s an incredible initiative and I’d encourage anyone in the community to do the same.”

John Harrison, Head of Client Relationships at Allica Bank, added: “Magpas Air Ambulance is an incredible example of how a local charity can make a huge impact. We’re proud to be helping their funds go further so they can keep doing what they do best – saving lives every day. It’s exciting to see how this move will continue to support their work and future plans.”