MAGPAS Air Ambulance has long been a lifeline for people across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, and the East of England, providing critical care 24/7. But when the charity faced turbulence of its own – having to relocate from RAF Wyton to a new base at Alconbury Weald – help came from an unexpected direction.
The Provincial Charity Fund Trustees stepped in with a £10,000 donation, which was then match-funded by the Masonic Charitable Foundation, bringing the total to a whopping £20,000. This vital funding helped MAGPAS settle into their state-of-the-art facility, ensuring their lifesaving work could continue uninterrupted.
On 13 March, Martin Wilson, 2nd Provincial Grand Principal, and Steve Joyce, Provincial Charity Steward, toured the impressive new base. Guided by CEO Daryl Brown MBE DL and Head of Fundraising Lucy Chapman, they saw firsthand the incredible work being done. Duty pilot Captain Pete Kersey, whose experience includes flying air ambulance missions for the Isle of Man TT, shared insights into the daily challenges of the service:
In 2024 alone, MAGPAS has responded to 1,872 emergencies, from medical crises to road traffic accidents. Their impact extends beyond emergency care; they’ve also trained over 7,500 people in CPR, a lifesaving skill that the Province is keen to explore further.
The visit included a heartwarming donation: an essential top-up of TLC teddies, comforting companions for young patients involved in attended incidents. This time, the bears were extra special, arriving in MAGPAS’ signature bright orange.
With a helicopter and a fleet of response vehicles at the ready, and a squad of orange teddy bears on board, MAGPAS continues to be a beacon of hope in critical moments.
