Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance has launched its ‘Save A Life Challenge’as part of the charity’s ‘20 Years By Your Side’ campaign.
The charity is asking the public to show their support by making a one-off donation of any amount towards the campaign, or pledging to actively fundraise in aid of the charity, with an aim of raising £3,000 (the approximate cost of one life-saving mission).
To kick-start the campaign, Maisie Sheridan, one of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s patients has co-written and recorded a song called ‘Flying Heroes’. She has attracted the help of local singer/songwriter Ed Hintze and producer David Payne to create the song.
Four years ago, Maisie was involved in a serious road traffic incident when she was hit by a camper van on her way to a dance class; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance were called to her aid. After being treated at the scene and airlifted to hospital, where tests showed that she had fractured her skull and eye socket and that she had a couple of lesions on her brain.
The incident could well have changed Maisie’s attitude on life for the worse, however, it has made her stronger and more determined to help others and do what she can in support of the life-saving charity. 
Her song, ‘Flying Heroes’ is available to stream and download (for 99p) from all major music sites (Spotify, Amazon Music, iTunes, Apple Music) with all proceeds from the streaming and digital sales being donated to Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for one year from the date of release. A video accompanying the song, can also be found by visiting: www.dsairambulance.org.uk/fundraisers/flying-heroes”
Maisie, 15, said: “I know first-hand how incredible the clinical team at Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are. Without their intervention, my story may well have had a different ending. It is because of public donations that the air ambulance was able to help save my life. I want to continue doing my bit to try and ensure that others are also able to receive the same life-saving treatment, should they ever need it. Saying thank you will never be enough, but I hope that my song, in support of the Save a Life Challenge, shows how very grateful I will always be.”
Tracy Bartram, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Communications Manager, added: “This year we anticipated marking our 20th Anniversary with a number of key events and activities. Many of our supporters also had plans to raise funds and awareness of our life-saving work. Unfortunately, all of these were cancelled or put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hope that our Save a Life Challenge will appeal to the public and give them a chance to do whatever they can to help fund the cost of as many life-saving missions as possible.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation can found more on the charity’s website at www.dsairambulance.org.uk/savealife.
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