Another Powerful Contribution in a Longstanding Partnership
On Wednesday 9 July, we were delighted to welcome members of Lions Clubs International District 105SE to our Redhill base, where they saw first-hand how their continued support is making a real difference.
Steve Carley, District Governor, Howard Lee, Past International Director and Chairman of the Steering Group, Paul Withers, Tom Berry, David Skinner, and Rod Weale, were all in attendance as members of the Steering Group, which helps lead and grow this vital partnership.
Their visit marked the arrival of our brand-new, bespoke medical kit bags, fully funded through the Lions’ generous fundraising. They also got hands-on with the GlideScope 2 video laryngoscope, another vital tool now part of our emergency kit thanks to their support.
This visit was another chapter in a remarkable relationship that began in 2012. Since then, Lions Clubs District 105SE have raised over £525K for KSS, funding essential equipment and championing our cause across the region.
We were honoured to host them and to show how their efforts continue to support our crews and patients every day.
Thanks to a £33K investment from the Lions, we’ve been able to replace and upgrade our frontline primary and drug kit bags across our helicopters, Rapid Response Vehicles and training teams.
Designed closely with our clinical teams, the new bags are more durable, better organised, and easier to use. They help crews respond faster and more safely in critical situations.
Key features include:
- Modular internal layouts for faster access
- Colour-coded bag types for easy identification
- Reinforced corners, upgraded buckles and improved lumbar and shoulder support
- Larger drug bags to hold essential medication securely
- Interchangeable inner pouches with spare sets ready at base
“These bags will drive even greater efficiency, which will ultimately help us to save more lives,” said Mike Rose, Clinical Kit Lead. “They’re built for the demands of our work, with input from the people who use them every day.”
Helene Poursain, Head of Public Fundraising, added: “The Lions’ generosity has been invaluable. Their support makes a real difference on the ground, and this project is a brilliant example of how lasting partnerships save lives.”
Alongside the kit bags, the Lions have also recently funded seven new GlideScope 2 video laryngoscopes. These advanced tools help our crews manage airways safely and accurately in some of the most critical scenarios.
During the visit, the Lions had the chance to see the devices in use and even try them out on medical training manikins, guided by Executive Director of Service Delivery Leigh Curtis.
“We are honoured to support the lifesaving work of KSS,” said a spokesperson for Lions Clubs District 105SE. “Visiting the base and seeing the impact of our fundraising, from the new kit bags to the video laryngoscopes, was incredibly powerful. KSS objectives align incredibly well with our own, so this partnership continues to be something we are very proud of.”
The Lions’ commitment doesn’t stop here. In autumn 2025, we look forward to welcoming them back to celebrate another milestone and to reflect on the lives their support continues to help us save.
Following their visit and hearing from Helene Poursain and Leigh Curtis about future funding opportunities, the team went away inspired to discuss at their next cabinet.
For now, from all of us at KSS, thank you. We are deeply grateful to Lions Clubs District 105SE and to everyone whose dedication makes this work possible.
