North East residents can leave their mark on a lifesaving air ambulance through a campaign that has already raised £130,000.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) launched Written in the Sky, allowing supporters to put their name or a loved one’s name on a new helicopter for a minimum donation of £100.
The campaign aims to raise a further £90,000.
Hundreds of people have taken part, dedicating names to loved ones, special occasions or simple gestures of thanks.
Sue Wikinson with-paramedic Andy-Mawson and doctor Phil-Godfrey (Image: GNAAS)
Susan Straughair, a former patient who now volunteers with GNAAS, is among those taking part.
Ms Straughair said: "The Written in the Sky campaign is an amazing way to celebrate or remember a close friend.
"Any charity finds it hard nowadays to raise funds, and the air ambulance is just so critical, they can really use the support.
"You could do a lot by buying a name on the helicopter.
GNAAS volunteer Sue Straughair (Image: GNAAS)
"I can never repay the debt in my opinion, I've had five more Christmases and five more birthdays with my family because of this service, it's amazing.
"Without them I wouldn't be here."
Ms Straughair suffered a cardiac arrest at her Stockton home in July 2021.
GNAAS medics placed her in an induced coma at the scene before taking her to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where she spent six days.
She donated £400 this year to put her name, her partner’s and her two sons’ names on a helicopter.
The campaign is part of Operation SOS, GNAAS’s biggest appeal yet.
A mock up of the new helicopter (Image: GNAAS)
The charity aims to raise £2.5 million towards the deposit on a third helicopter.
A spokesperson for GNAAS said: "By choosing to donate to Written in the Sky, supporters can give a gift that is both deeply personal and helps keep GNAAS flying.
"Returning to a three-helicopter fleet will help ensure their critical care team can remain available to respond by air when one aircraft is temporarily out of action."
GNAAS currently operates two helicopters.
Parts shortages, rising maintenance costs and downtime are making it harder to keep both aircraft flying.
Read more
Air ambulance answers 557 emergency call-outs in busy North summer
North East pageant star swaps crowns for air ambulance fundraising
Person rescued from North East river and airlifted to hospital after falling in water
The charity has already paid deposits on two new Airbus H145 D2 helicopters.
It is now raising money for a deposit on a third helicopter.
Every Written in the Sky donation comes with a thank-you letter and certificate.
Full details, naming guidelines, and terms and conditions can be found at gna.as/written2026.