To date, the charity has raised more than £1.2 million towards its £2.5 million target. While this marks an important step forward, it represents only 48 per cent of the total needed to secure the deposit for a third helicopter and safeguard the future of its operations.

The charity, which provides life-saving care to critically ill and injured people across the North of England and the Isle of Man, relies on donations from the public to remain operational.

Their current aircraft, which are Dauphin N3 and Dauphin N3+ helicopters, are coming to the end of their economically viable life due to parts shortages, ever-rising maintenance costs, and extended downtime.

As demand for their service continues to grow, the charity has designed the blueprints for a stronger future, investing in three state-of-the-art Airbus H145 D2 helicopters.

They have already secured the financing for the first two new aircraft through sound financial planning, but they urgently need the public’s help in securing the deposit for a vital third aircraft to ensure they are never grounded.

GNAAS annually responds to on average 2,000 incidents across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

So far this year their doctors, paramedics and pilots have already been activated more than 1,500 times to help those in need across the region, with the most frequent incidents being cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions, medical incidents, falls and assaults.

GNAAS hopes to reach their fundraising target later this year and are appealing for the public to help them raise the remaining £1.5 million needed to secure the aircraft.

Joe Garcia MBE, Chief Executive Officer at GNAAS, said: We reached £500,000 in the first three months of Operation SOS which is an incredible achievement and a powerful demonstration of the trust and generosity of our supporters.

“Unfortunately, since then, fundraising has slowed significantly, and it has taken almost three times as long to raise the next £500,000.

“We’re still only 48 per cent of the way towards our target, and we’re hoping to raise the remaining amount by the end of this year.

“We’re calling on the public to help us reach our goal. If you value the work we do and are able to support us, please consider donating to our Operation SOS appeal. Every donation, whatever the amount, will help us continue to be there for people during their darkest moments and deliver critical care where it is needed most.”

To find out more about Operation SOS: Secure Our Service and support the appeal, visit gna.as/secure_our_service