WHEN THE HEART STOPS,
THE CLOCK STARTS.
Help us reach people fast this Christmas. Thank you.
Your donation of:
Messages to our crew from recent donors
It costs around £57,000 a day to keep our service flying. This Christmas, the gift of life is in your hands. Thank you.
In the time it takes you to read this sentence, your heart will beat six
times. Now eight… ten… twelve…
Life can change in a heartbeat.
On the same day, at almost exactly the same time, two lives hung in the balance. Jon collapsed while cycling near Sevenoaks. Martyn went down just 50 metres from the finish line at a parkrun in Sittingbourne. People nearby began CPR and used a defibrillator. We launched two helicopters and two medical teams. Our crews took over, placed them on life support at the scene, and flew them to specialist cardiac care. Minutes mattered. By air, the journeys took about 10 minutes. By road they would have taken more than 40.
Those 30 minutes helped save their lives.
THIS CHRISTMAS THE GIFT OF LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS
25 PEOPLE
approximately the number of people day across Kent, Surrey and Sussex have a cardiac arrest at home or in the community
EVERY MINUTE
someone's heart isn't beating their chance of survival drops by 10%
ONLY 1 IN 10
people survive cardiac arrest
A heartbeat apart. The stories of John and Martyn
On the same day, at almost exactly the same time, two lives hung in the balance.
Early intervention is critical to what we call ‘The Chain of Survival’. When people on the ground keep hearts beating and oxygen flowing, KSS doctors and paramedics can arrive quickly to place patients on life support at the scene. This stabilises people like Jon and Martyn, ensuring oxygen reaches their brain and keeping vital organs – including the heart, liver and kidneys – functioning properly. Then, KSS pilots like Dave Gifford can fly patients to specialist cardiac care in hospital as fast as possible.
When every second counts. Every £1 matters.
Every second counts to get expert medical help to get to the scene, fast. This can mean the difference between survival and heartbreak.
It costs us £1.2 million each year to respond to the most critical cardiac arrest patients across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
A year at KSS
Two .
Thanks to people like you
Jon's story
"Without Tina, Alan and the others who gave me CPR, I wouldn’t be here."
On 4 March 2023 I’d gone out cycling as I normally did with my club, Sidcup Cycles, I was 58. As usual we’d gone out at half eight on a Saturday morning to do 40 or 50 miles Usually we’d ride out to somewhere in the Kent countryside with a stop halfway for a coffee break.
I don’t remember what happened, but I later learned that I suffered a cardiac arrest and I ended up leaning against a bush while still on my bike, which made it hard for the people around me to work out what had happened as it looked like I was still trying to ride the bike.
Martyn’s story
"We are both living proof that knowing how to do CPR can save a life."
In December 2022 I had given up the delivery job because the traffic around Sittingbourne was getting too stressful. The following February I was asked if I would like to go along to our local Parkrun and do a 5K because I enjoy walking.
I got to within 50 metres of the finish. My friend Dave and my daughter, who’d both finished, came out to run across the line with me. At that moment I collapsed. My eyes were rolling and I was gasping like a fish and it was clear to the people with me that something was badly wrong.
Chris Keen - January 3, 2026
Donated: £25.00
"This donation is for Eddy Keen From Rosalie Leen"
Robin Whitwell - January 1, 2026
Donated: £75.00
"The care and clinical expertise that this team can deliver in the community is a real game changer and truly impressive having seen the service develop over the last 20 years. Having heard of traditionally hospital based care and procedures now being delivered by KSS Air Ambulance is inspirational as previously observed working alongside your team on more than one occasion. Keep up the incredible work you do and I hope many others if they can will support this truly lifesaving organisation."
Elizabeth Leese - December 31, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"Thank you for all the work you do."
David Perkins - December 24, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"Merry Christmas and thank you for all that you do. Stay safe Sandra & David Perkins"
John and zillah Grist - December 24, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"I am donating to air ambulance instead of sending Christmas cards"
Iris Reihl - December 23, 2025
Donated: £35.00
"This was my Gran's favourite charity ♥ I haven't sent out Christmas cards this year, and with saving that money I have been able to make this donation - Merry Christmas everyone :o)"
Anonymous - December 23, 2025
Donated: £40.00
"Faversham Riding Club members donated funds from the AGM quiz for a great cause"
Workerbee Recruitment Ltd - December 23, 2025
Donated: £250.00
"Merry Christmas from the team at Workerbee. Thank you for your incredible work."
Ben Keen - December 21, 2025
Donated: £100.00
"You were there for granddaughter when she suffered a head injury. Thank you."
Plough Inn Langley - December 21, 2025
Donated: £177.00
"From everyone at the Plough Inn Langley who hosted a Christmas Charity Quiz night on Tuesday 16th December 2025."
Anonymous - December 19, 2025
Donated: £10.00
"thank you for everything you do."
James angus - December 18, 2025
Donated: £30.00
"Not sending cards this year, but donating to you guys, in recognition of the help you gave to a friend who, despite your best efforts, passed away. Your work is amazing."
Richard Enfield - December 18, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"Keep up the wonderful work that you do."
Reversing Cameras UK Ltd - December 18, 2025
Donated: £500.00
"Thank you so much for helping my brother in law get to a London hospital from East Kent for urgent care during a severe **. It was touch and go for a few weeks, but I can gladly say that after months in hospital, he is now home with family. 75% of his missing memories came back after one sleep about 3 weeks ago, just in time for Christmas. You are very valued and I will continue to make donations to support your service and help save the lives of other unfortunate patients."
Sarah Matthews - December 18, 2025
Donated: £25.00
"Exceptionally good carol concert at Lancing College Chapel last night. Keep up the amazing service you provide."
John Beal - December 18, 2025
Donated: £14.00
"Thank you for all the wonderful work you do!"
Anonymous - December 17, 2025
Donated: £25.00
"Instead of sending Xmas card I always give to KSS Air ambulance. You are an essential service, the Dr's and pilots onboard are amazing. Sorry I couldn't give more"
Cara Jennings - December 17, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"I am making this donation in lieu of Christmas cards to my King's College Hospital consultant colleagues - thank you for your hard work (my colleagues and HEMS crews)"
Anonymous - December 16, 2025
Donated: £10.00
"An amazing charity."
Anonymous - December 16, 2025
Donated: £10.00
"Helped 2 of my family members in les then a year, so now I want to give something back to this amazing team!"
Gillian Connellan - December 15, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"You do amazing work and help so many. A very worthwhile cause."
Anonymous - December 15, 2025
Donated: £45.00
"Donated in memory of a great friend."
Simon Cavanagh - December 14, 2025
Donated: £100.00
"V worthy cause !"
Samantha Atkin - December 14, 2025
Donated: £58.00
"The money was collected and donated in memory of my late Dad, Michael Wicks, who passed away on 7th November 2025"
Susan Resouly - December 14, 2025
Donated: £14.00
"Thank you for looking after my son after his accident in 2022"
David Jackson - December 14, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"Well done to all of these very special people who save so many lives."
Anonymous - December 14, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"Thank you for your amazing work. We are donating in memory of our lovely neighbour Mike."
Personify Fitness LTD - December 14, 2025
Donated: £100.00
"Thank you for all you do, we hope you won’t be needed by our runners but grateful you are there! Personify Fitness Training Groups (Ben Short)"
Anonymous - December 13, 2025
Donated: £25.00
"Amazing work you do"
Chris Weatherley - December 12, 2025
Donated: £14.00
"Hi Thank you for all your help you give people. You truly are a blessing"
Polypipe Building Services, a Genuit Group plc subsidiary - December 12, 2025
Donated: £1,000.00
"In acknowledgment of the exceptional support you have provided to our community, we are pleased to make this charitable donation as a token of our sincere appreciation."
Jack Treeby - December 11, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"My Nan, Gillian Tompsett, gave every month to the air ambulance before she passed in April 2025, this Christmas in her memory, myself and my mum donate on her behalf."
Annie Woods - December 11, 2025
Donated: £14.00
"Keep up the good work - god bless Annie"
Anonymous - December 11, 2025
Donated: £20.00
"To all the staff at the air ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex who do a fantastic job 365 day's of the year l would like to thank you for your great work in saving peoples lives, wish you and your families a happy Christmas and a good New year, thanks"
Julie Mallett - December 11, 2025
Donated: £10.00
"Every time I see the air ambulance fly over my house from Nutfield Aerodrome I know you are helping someone. Thank you for your amazing hard work & dedication to save lives."
Anonymous - December 11, 2025
Donated: £100.00
"Thank you so much for all you do."
Anonymous - December 10, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"It's a great job you do and I've seen at first hand how this service can save lives."
Lawrence Vesey - December 10, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"The air ambulance service saved my grandsons life following a horrific accident at work causing severe head injuries. He was only 21. He died several times, but the skill of the doctor on that day bought him back to us. He is now making the most of life with a tremendous positive outlook. Our family will always be grateful to this charity, often forgotten until a loved ones life is saved because of their service. Thank you to all of you for your continued dedication and compassion."
Anonymous - December 10, 2025
Donated: £30.00
"Remembering Pop"
Angela Stallwood - December 10, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"In memory of a lovely sister-in-law, Marion, who died too soon. She asked that we donate to the air ambulance rather than buying flowers."
Don Boorman - December 9, 2025
Donated: £15.00
"At Christmas and anytime angels can also be seen in flight suits, headsets and helmets. Thank you to all those patrolling our skies this Christmas and I hope we don't meet by accident! Merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year to all."
Kevin Ludbrook - December 8, 2025
Donated: £30.00
"Great service that's helped several people near me. I hope I don't need it but I'm glad it's there."
Anonymous - December 8, 2025
Donated: £30.00
"Our son in law sadly died, but your support gave our family the chance to say goodbye. An incredible gift."
Anonymous - December 8, 2025
Donated: £200.00
"Thank you for your prompt and efficient response that saved our son-in-law's life."
Good Energy - December 8, 2025
Donated: £50.00
"Donation made on behalf of Harry Head."
Sally Woodgate - December 7, 2025
Donated: £100.00
"Given by the family of Clive Woodgate May 2025 .RIP Thank-you for your attendance and valiant efforts , it meant the world to us at the time .Xx"
Bearsted Cricket Club and the Bearsted & Thurham Club - December 7, 2025
Donated: £917.50
"Donation by Bearsted Cricket Club and the Bearsted & Thurham Club. Annual charity match 2025."
Edward Cranfield - December 7, 2025
Donated: £10.00
"The KSS is a favorite charity of mine. This current donation was prompted by the Kirdford Christmas Tractor Run. Thanks to them also for supporting such a worthy cause."
Hilary Hinks - December 6, 2025
Donated: £60.00
"Thank you so much for all you do. Take care. Hilary"
Anonymous - December 5, 2025
Donated: £45.00
"God bless you all."