A LIFE-SAVING trust is set to receive almost £10,000 in grant money to help pay for vital Personal Protective Equipment.

The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust which is based in Earls Colne has received a grant of £9,600 from Lions Club British Isles.

The grant is a cut of a £161,468 total which is being distributed among air ambulance trusts across the UK by Lions Club British Isles after it was sent from Lions Clubs International Foundation in the United States as part of a Covid-19 relief grant.

Gurcharan Manku, the club’s District Governor of Central and East, which as also covers Essex, said “We know that air ambulance charities have been busier than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

“They’ve faced considerable extra, unbudgeted day-to-day costs at the same time, lockdown has adversely affected fundraising.

“Now, thanks to an emergency Covid-19 relief grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation in the US, Lions Clubs of British Isles can provide immediate support for this emergency service that touches lives in all our communities.”

The donation has been well received by the trust and will be used to buy PPE to protect the air ambulance paramedics.

Stuart Elms, Clinical Director at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) said: “We are delighted that EHAAT is set to receive a grant of £9,660 from Lions Clubs to help pay for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that is essential to protect our critical care teams whilst they carry out their day to day work.

“Our crews are working hard to care for the most seriously sick and injured patients around the clock, and this generous donation from the Lions Clubs will help keep them safe during this difficult time.

“The lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on our fundraising, with many events being postponed or cancelled, so this generous donation is gratefully received.

“EHAAT’s critical care teams are continuing to attend road traffic accidents, cardiac arrests and medical emergencies across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

“The charity is making sure they are as safe as they can be while they are working, and having appropriate PPE is a vital part of that.

“We are working hard to maintain our critical care 24/7 but the charity still needs the support of the people of Essex and Hertfordshire to help us do this. If you can, please help us continue this vital work.”

To find out more about the work of EHAAT or donate visit ehaat.org