MP Grant Shapps and WHT editor Terry Mitchinson made a flying visit to North Weald airfield where the new Herts Air Ambulance is based.

They were there to have a look around and chat with members of the crew and charity staff.  They also officially handed over a giant check to represent the money they raised from last year's Rotary sponsored walk.  The actual cash had been handed over several months ago.

The total originally raised came to over £2,250.  Terry's half of the money was matched by his employers, Archant, as part of its matched funding scheme, so this took the final amount to more than £3,700.

Terry said, "It was interesting to talk with the crew and learn more about the ambulance itself. The helicopter is very impressive and I'm sure will help save many lives.

"While it was a terrific feat to raise the money initially to provide helicopter and set up the service, fundraising must carry on.  It costs 80,000 pounds a month to keep the service going and that money has to be raised by the people of times territory and around the country."

MP Grant Shapps, who played an instrumental part in helping to get the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance off the ground said, "It was terrific to see the Air Ambulance close up and to get a real understanding of how the money that is raised entirely from charitable donation and that it really does help to save lives on the ground.

"It was initially quite a battle to get local health bosses to accept the need for an Air Ambulance. They seemed to have forgotten that since they have been so keen to close vital services and QE2 Hospital, having access to an Air Ambulance to ferry injured patients around quickly in an emergency situation, is not just a nicety, but a life saving activity."

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