One of Britain’s most famous and respected actors Sir David Jason is getting behind the first National Air Ambulance Week – 24-30 September 2012. Sir David has come a long way from his days as an electrician; since then he has won many prestigious awards for his work, with roles greatly varying from the comical Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, to the more serious role of Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost.

Sir David became interested in flying when he was young and has a keen interest in space exploration and all things aeronautical. He started out his own flying experience in gliders and then progressed to helicopters. Because of this keen interest Sir David became involved with the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) and in March 2009 Sir David was asked, and agreed to lend his support to the work of Air Ambulance Charities by becoming Patron of AAA.

Speaking of his involvement, Sir David said: “I am honoured to be fronting the very first united National Air Ambulance Week campaign across the UK. It is vitally important that we spread the word that Air Ambulance Charities up and down the UK are not Government funded and rely on public donations to remain operational. Everyday lives are being saved by the highly skilled Air Ambulance crews. Please give whatever you can spare to support your local Air Ambulance.”

The heart of the week long Appeal will be very much encouraging the communities and businesses across the country to support their local Air Ambulance charity. By doing so it will make a huge difference and effectively help to save lives in the community that you live in. Every penny really goes a long way in helping save lives.

NAAW is an initiative put together by the Association of Air Ambulances (‘AAA’), the trade body which unites not only Air Ambulance charities from across the country, but also operators and ambulance services. The Association gives a national voice to a local service.

Clive Dickin, Director of the Association of Air Ambulances (AAA) said “We are delighted to have Sir David Jason as our patron. It really does help us to raise awareness of our members and the essential work that they carry out locally. Our members are encouraging fundraising very much at a grass roots level – for example why not ‘Go Red’ for Herts Air Ambulance and wear something red for the day at your school, college or work place? You could come in fancy dress, or accessorise in red, anything is possible!

“You may wish to organise your own event – maybe you want to hold a cake sale, fete, or do something more daring like a parachute jump or sponsored swim. Whatever you decide to do, rest assured that all monies raised will stay local, helping to keep your local Air Ambulance flying.”