Volunteers for the Great North Air Ambulance Service, including those based on the Isle of Man, have been praised after new figures showed they dedicated 5,496 hours to the charity last year.
The contribution, equal to 687 working days and valued at more than £100,000, came from 149 volunteers who form the charity’s “ground crew” across the North East, Cumbria and the island.
Their roles range from giving talks and helping at events to emptying collection boxes and supporting fundraising activity.
Sophie Snowdon, GNAAS’s community and volunteer lead, said volunteers bring “incredible passion and enthusiasm” and make a “genuine difference” to the charity’s work.
A celebration event was recently held at GNAAS headquarters, where CEO Joseph Garcia MBE told volunteers the organisation “would not be what it is today” without their commitment.
GNAAS is now looking to expand its volunteer team on the Isle of Man, with roles including community speakers, collection box stewards, fundraisers and events assistants.
