Spectacular event launches appeal to buy a second helicopter

A spectacular event, at the exclusive Carbis Bay Estate, launched the appeal to purchase a second lifesaving helicopter for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

On Monday 20^th November, more than 150 people gathered at the Ugly Butterfly, raising an incredible £160,428 during the evening. The event was organised by charity ambassador, Dr Karen Dickens and other members of Cornwall Air Ambulance’s Philanthropy Forum. Using their networks, they brought together supporters and key national and international businesses for a fundraising evening hosted by Carbis Bay Estate, who are one of the charities platinum partners.

The evening brought together some of the South West’s most talented chefs – Adam Handling, Jude Kereama, Paul Ainsworth, Chris McClurg, Eddy Rains, Jamie Park, Tim Kendall, Simon Davies, Craig Barrett and South West Junior Chef of the Year, Freya Barrett, who put together an incredible array of personalised dishes using the best of local, seasonal Cornish produce. The menu included Falmouth Bay scallop dumplings, BBQ lobster, fillet of beef, Ele quince and hazelnut and ‘Food Fight’ desert. 

The event was compered by Daphne Skinnard who interviewed the lead chefs for each course and there was musical performances from the Cornwall Youth Choir, Shane Solomon and West End star Lucie Jones who delighted the audience with songs from musicals including Les Misérables and Wicked.

Lead Specialist Paramedic in Critical Care, Mick Mclachlan, and Unit Chief Pilot, Adam Smith, spoke at the event, sharing how important a new aircraft would be and the difference it would make in helping to save more lives.

Renowned artist, Sherree Valentine Daines, captivated attendees during the evening by painting live, a seascape canvas which was donated for the auction towards the end of the evening.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Ambassador and Philanthropy Forum member Dr Karen Dickens said: “Monday was the most amazing evening, not only did we launch the HELi2 Appeal and our Jess’ Journey Christmas Campaign, but we managed to achieve a record-breaking fundraising total to kick start our fundraising for a second helicopter for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This is going to make such a difference to so many people and enable our incredible crew to continue to save lives and keep families together.”

Cornwall Air Ambulance’s Philanthropy Manager, Karen Hurn, said: “The detail and effort that went into delivering this event was incredible. There were so many people and businesses involved who helped to pull off this spectacular event and we are so very grateful to each and every person involved. We also want to thank the team at Carbis Bay for hosting the Great Cornish Menu. This event has given us a huge boost as we look to raise the £2.85 million towards the purchase of our second helicopter. We’ve still however got a long way to go with our fundraising – and every penny really does count. There will be lots of ways over the next year for people to support the #heli2 appeal – and we are encouraging people to donate towards our Christmas campaign at this time as every pound donated will be doubled up to the end of the year, with the money raised going towards the purchase of our second helicopter.”

Stephen Baker of Carbis Bay said: “We are so delighted to have raised so much for such a worthwhile cause. Carbis Bay Estate is very proud to support Cornwall Air Ambulance, which is such an important part of the emergency services in the South West. We look forward to raising more funds for them with our Coastal Christmas Market this December and invite all to come along for some festive cheer for such a great cause.”

Photography by andyholterphotography