Fundraising Regulator Launches Inquiry into Stoke Air Ambulance Charity

The Fundraising Regulator is currently conducting an investigation into the Stoke Air Ambulance charity. This inquiry stems from a complaint lodged against the organization, which was established with the aim of collecting funds for a specialized helicopter intended for patient treatment within Staffordshire. A representative for the regulator verified that an investigation had commenced, but stated that no specific details could be disclosed due to the ongoing nature of the case. Phil Copeland, who serves as the chief executive of Stoke Air Ambulance, expressed his belief that the complaint constituted an effort to damage the organization’s standing and noted that it had experienced online harassment. Stoke Air Ambulance originated from a different charitable entity, Helicopter Emergency Service Equipment (HESE). Last year, it saw its revenue grow fivefold, reaching £54,457, while reporting expenditures of £59,949. The charity had previously stated its intention to have a helicopter operational by the summer of 2025. However, the long-standing Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) already operates a helicopter stationed at Tatenhill in Staffordshire, providing an average response time of 10 minutes across the county. Hanna Sebright, MAAC’s chief executive, voiced her apprehension, citing that purchasing a helicopter incurs a cost of £9m to £12m, in addition to £3,000 for each flight. MAAC’s yearly operational expenses amount to £16m. She stated, “What causes me concern is there’s no aircraft, there’s no operation yet. I have not seen anything fundamental yet.” She further added, “There is an external independent investigation into their practices so I cannot say a great deal more about it.” Ms. Sebright expressed concern that individuals might contribute to Stoke Air Ambulance under the mistaken impression that it was a different entity. She also noted that securing highly-skilled critical care personnel to deliver lifesaving treatment would be the most challenging aspect for any new air ambulance service. Dr. Simon Constable, chief executive of University Hospital North Midlands, which supplies staff for MAAC helicopters, pointed out that three helicopters are already stationed only minutes of flying time from Stoke-on-Trent. He commented, “Our region is one of the best served in the country for air ambulances.” He continued, “Midlands Air Ambulance charity is the primary air ambulance operator for Staffordshire and many of our clinicians are part of the specialist aircrew, and we actively support this.” He urged the public to contribute to the “established Midlands Air Ambulance charity, so that they can continue to deliver the exceptional service to our local population”. Conversely, Mr. Copeland, head of Stoke Air Ambulance, asserted to the BBC that initiating their service does not necessitate millions of pounds. He stated that all received donations were being reinvested into establishing a sustainable, recurring monthly income stream, bolstered by thousands of committed supporters. He announced, “We will share further details on the chosen helicopter we are buying early next year.” He additionally alleged that efforts had been made to discredit Stoke Air Ambulance’s reputation and that the organization had endured online harassment. He remarked, “Frankly these tactics are disappointing as this should be about saving lives, not control and money.” He continued, “We launched Stoke Air Ambulance to save lives by reducing response times. “With our helicopter based locally, we can have a doctor on the scene in just six minutes – an improvement that could mean the difference between life and death.” Mr. Copeland indicated that a campaign to recruit medical personnel would commence in the spring. The charity is preparing to open a new hub within the Potteries Shopping Centre, situated near MAAC’s existing base. Mr. Copeland stated: “There is a choice to align with MAAC and West Midlands Ambulance Service’s (WMAS) attempts to challenge our mission, risking more negative experiences for our fundraisers, or support the thousands who have come together to make this vision a reality,” he said. The West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) informed the BBC that no additional aircraft were needed in Staffordshire. It further stated, “In addition, we have an excellent BASICS emergency doctor scheme in North Staffordshire and also the MERIT scheme which can be deployed to Staffordshire if required.” It concluded, “Together, they provide some of the best advanced pre-hospital emergency care in the country.” The fundraising regulator expressed its expectation to issue a report on this matter early in the upcoming year, but cautioned that, in the interest of fairness and proper procedure, it could not provide assurances regarding the timelines. For updates, follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.