The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has named Nicola Palios as its first charity ambassador from the island.
Mrs Palios, a lawyer with over 35 years in financial services and co-owner of Tranmere Rovers, will use her public profile to support the life-saving charity.
Having lived in island communities for more than two decades, she understands the vital need for rapid medical air response in isolated regions.
Her advocacy is driven by personal experience, as her youngest son required air ambulance support three separate times in his early years.
“It made me appreciate the life-saving work that air ambulance services do,” said Palios.
TT
GNAAS said Mrs Palios has also seen the direct impact of GNAAS after a colleague’s son was involved in a serious motorcycle incident.
“In an Island famous for the TT Races, where accidents are unfortunately common, not only with the racers but with the many thousands of visitors who come to watch and ride around the world-famous course, I think everyone is very aware of the critical importance of air ambulances,” she added.
In her new role, Palios aims to raise both awareness and crucial funds for the service.
“As well as profile-raising, I hope to help GNAAS raise the crucial funds needed to ensure the service can continue to flourish in the future,” she said.
“None of us ever know when we might need the services of the air ambulance, but it could happen to any one of us at any time, and GNAAS can quite literally be the difference between life and death.”