Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) celebrated the launch of their new AW169 helicopter at the Heli-bration event on Sunday 14th July 2024, attracting more than 4,000 attendees from across Essex and Hertfordshire. This free event, held in the picturesque grounds of Hatfield House, featured a variety of family-friendly activities and displays.

Sponsored by Fishpools, Gama Aviation, Gates Ford, Leonardo, Milbank, Rickard Luckin, SRC Group and Templant, the highlight of the day was EHAAT’s new state of the art AW169 helicopter. Attendees had the unique opportunity to see inside the helicopter and meet the crew. There was a spectacular moment at the end of the event when Sarah and her son Ben, winners of a special competition, took off in the helicopter to the cheers of the crowd and dramatic music, creating a memorable experience for all.

The event offered a wide range of free activities, including face-painting, arts & crafts, emergency vehicle ride-ons, bungee runs, games, and stalls. Live music by Perfect Vintage added to the celebrations.

The CPR Zone offered valuable life-saving skills and defibrillator training to attendees of all ages, equipping them with essential knowledge for emergencies. The EHAAT Pop-Up Charity Shop featured a range of pre-loved items, with proceeds supporting the charity.

In the arena, visitors witnessed an impressive ‘Emergency Service Moulage’ of a motorbike accident, delivered by the EHAAT Critical Care team, Bikerdown, East of England Ambulance Service, the police and fire service personnel. This demonstration showcased the collaborative efforts of emergency services in providing critical care at the roadside. Spectacular displays by Eden Falconry and UK Sniffer Dogs also entertained the crowd.

Jane Gurney, CEO of EHAAT, remarked, “Today will go down in EHAAT’s history as one of our biggest celebrations. It is truly humbling to be joined by so many of our amazing supporters from the communities we serve including dedicated volunteers, community fundraisers, donors, corporate partners, former patients and their families to celebrate this momentous occasion. It fills me with so much joy to see what amazing support we have for YOUR local life-saving air ambulance. Thank you to everyone who supports the charity – we simply couldn’t fly without you!”

The event was graced by special guests including Lord and Lady Salisbury, who kindly hosted the event, EHAAT Celebrity Ambassador and TV personality Lisa Snowdon, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss CBE, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster JP, High Sheriff of Essex David Hurst, and councillors from Essex and Hertfordshire.