Bristol Airport and Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) (pictured above) are proudly celebrating the conclusion of a remarkable charity partnership that has raised more than £210,000 to support the lifesaving work of the region’s pre-hospital critical care team.
The two-year partnership has become one of the most successful charity collaborations in the airport’s history with fundraising events ranging from long-distance bike rides and Airport runway running events to charity golf days and plane spotting events.
Over the duration of the partnership, Bristol Airport colleagues, business partners, and members of the wider aviation community came together with extraordinary commitment, creativity and energy.
Their efforts helped raise vital funds for GWAAC, an organisation that receives no day-to-day government or National Lottery funding and relies entirely on charitable giving to operate.
GWAAC provides emergency care to the most seriously ill and injured people across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire.
The charity’s Critical Care Doctors and Specialist Paramedics bring hospital-level treatments to the scene of emergencies.
Throughout the partnership, teams across the airport embraced the cause wholeheartedly, organising and taking part in a programme of fundraising activities.
These events not only raised money but also deepened awareness of GWAAC’s lifesaving work among passengers, staff, and the local community.
Among the many initiatives delivered during the partnership, several major events made a significant contribution to the final fundraising total:
Bristol Airport Charity Golf Days
Held on two occasions at The Kendleshire Golf Club in South Gloucestershire, the golf days brought together airport colleagues, business partners and Airport contractors for a friendly competition between teams, which raised more than £53,000 in total.
Both events featured auctions, raffles, and sponsorship opportunities which generated substantial funds for GWAAC.
London-to-Bristol Airport Charity Bike Ride
One of the most memorable undertakings saw a determined group of cyclists take on the challenge of riding from The Brunel Museum in the centre of London all the way to Bristol Airport over two days.
The route, spanning a mix of urban terrain and scenic countryside, concluded dramatically at the airport’s departure forecourt.
Supporters followed the journey closely, helping raise more than £110,000 total through sponsorships and donations.
While riders tackled the physical route, colleagues back at the terminal cycled the equivalent distance on exercise bikes in the departure lounge, with passengers and visitors showing their support along the way.
In addition to these flagship events, individual staff members organised internal challenges, fundraising drives, awareness events and donation campaigns, including runway runs, as well as charity plane spotting events.
Anna Perry, Chief Executive at GWAAC, said: “Bristol Airport, their customers, and their business partners have had a transformational impact on GWAAC and the people who need us.
“The £210,000 raised from this two-year partnership will help our GWAAC Critical Care Team fly or drive to more than 95 people who are in a life-threatening condition.
“Thanks to this high-flying partnership, those 95 people will get what they need when they need it most and have the chance to survive.
“That might be to you, your loved ones, or a colleague. Thank you, Bristol Airport.”
Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport said: “Everyone at Bristol Airport is immensely proud of what has been achieved through this partnership.
“GWAAC provides an essential, lifesaving service to communities right across our region, and having the opportunity to support their work has been both inspiring and humbling for us all.
“The remarkable amount raised is a true reflection of the passion, commitment and teamwork shown by our colleagues and business partners, as well as the incredible generosity of everyone who took part in fundraising activities.
“I am extremely proud of the effort demonstrated across the airport and sincerely grateful to all the staff who contributed to helping GWAAC raise funds for its vital, life-saving missions.”
For more information on the vital service provided by Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, visit www.gwaac.com