Essex Air Ambulance fundraising plans for 2005 are already taking off!

The Appeals team is pleased to announce just some of the events planned so far for 2005.

From launch events at Earls Colne to teeing off at Stock Brook Manor Golf Club, the Essex Air Ambulance Fundraising team is ready to rise to the challenges that this New Year will bring.

21-25 March: Will Week

The Essex Air Ambulance will be requesting the services of solicitors and lawyers throughout the county to write wills in return for a donation to Essex Air Ambulance. The hope is that people will then consider leaving a legacy to the Air Ambulance and help keep it flying into the future.

15 April: Launch of the Essex Air Ambulance Presentation Suite

The charity's new Fundraising Suite, sponsored by Lloyds TSB, will be launched at the Essex Air Ambulance Fundraising office.

The suite will then be available to schools and community groups to learn about the county's emergency helicopter service.

17 April: London Marathon

We are very excited to announce that this year there will be several people participating in the London Marathon on behalf of Essex Air Ambulance raising much needed funds for the county's emergency helicopter.

May 2005: Learning Lunches Business Presentation

Corporates across the county will be invited to attend this exciting event at the charity's fundraising office to find out how they can work in partnership with the charity and help support the county's emergency helicopter.

May 2005: Southend Airshow

Once again Essex Air Ambulance will be flying in and the fundraising team will be present to raise awareness of the emergency helicopter in Southend and the surrounding area.

19 August: Essex Air Ambulance Golf Day

Following the success in 2004 of the first ever Essex Air Ambulance Golf Day, Stock Brook Manor Golf Club near Billericay will be hosting the event for 2005. As well as enjoying a day of golf participants will be entertained throughout the evening.

August 2005: Clacton Airshow

The Air Ambulance will be flying in and the fundraising team will be present to raise awareness of the emergency helicopter in Clacton and the surrounding area.

4 September: Essex Air Ambulance Motorcycle Run

Following the success of the 2004 run this event will once again start from Ford Dunton and follow a set route to Harwich. A host of entertainment will greet bikers and visitors alike at Harwich.

Jean Twin, the new Community Fundraising Coordinator at Essex Air Ambulance said, '2004 was a year of success for Essex Air Ambulance but we are always looking to the challenges of the future.

The Air Ambulance is utilised between 3 and 5 times a day and now costs in excess of £100,000 per month to run.

Maintaining income through fundraising is one of our biggest challenges. With events such as these, and more to be announced, the fundraising team are confident that we will meet the challenges of 2005.'

For further information about any of the fundraising events please contact the Air Ambulance fundraising office on 01787 221828.