THIS National Volunteers Week, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust (EHAAT) is calling on people in Essex to spare time in their diary to volunteer for the Charity.

The life-saving Charity, which operates two fully-equipped helicopters from its bases in Earls Colne and North Weald, relies on volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the organisation and help raise vital funds that allows the service to remain operational and keep saving lives.

Suzanne Harvey, 38, from Harlow, has been an Essex Air Ambulance Volunteer for 4 years.

She said: “I volunteer because I wanted to do something that I could be proud of and give something back. I meet new people and gain new experiences – and I love it.

“When I see the Air Ambulance it does give me a sense of pride, knowing that I helped put that helicopter in the air. It’s the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped in a little way to save someone’s life.”

EHAAT currently has over 250 volunteers but, as part of National Volunteers’ Week, which began on June 1st, is calling for more people to get involved.

Jen Wall Volunteer Manager said: “Volunteers are the backbone of our Charity – they do everything from running merchandise stalls and fundraising with collection tins at events, to public speaking and offering their skills for special projects. The opportunities to get involved in diverse roles at any number of events is limitless. We are calling on everyone to think about whether they can spare a little time to help us keep the Air Ambulances flying.

“We always need volunteers throughout the year and particularly during National Air Ambulance Week which runs from 19th to 25th September, 2016.”

According to the Volunteers Week website, more than 21 million people volunteer in the UK at least once a year, providing skills such as teaching and ICT. This equates to a contribution of £23.9 billion to the UK economy.

To find out how to get involved or for an online application form visit: EssexAirAmbulance.uk.com, or contact Karen Moore, Volunteer Administrator, on 0345 241 7690