Every spring, medical emergencies surge across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Will you help us be ready?
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Messages to our crew from recent donors
Life can change in an instant...
Scenic cycles. The first barbecue of the year. That gardening project you’ve been putting off all winter. When spring arrives, the great outdoors gets busy – and tragically, medical emergencies surge.
None of us start a lovely sunny morning expecting to be met with one of the most challenging days of our lives. But that’s exactly what happened when Sam, a keen cyclist, devoted husband, and beloved father, hopped on his bike for a leisurely ride. Helmet on his head, breeze on his face, Sam was barely 400m from his door when he was involved in a collision. A van unexpectedly turned in front of him, knocking him unconscious and causing serious injury.
I’m Tom, one of the paramedics at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and I was on duty when the call came in for our crew to respond to this serious road traffic accident. Within minutes, we were briefed and in the air with our medical equipment loaded.
Soon after, we were on the scene with Sam. I assessed him immediately. My first priority was to treat his pain, and then to sedate him and splint his injuries.
It’s thanks to people like you that we were able to care for Sam. But when accidents surge this spring, more people in our communities will need our lifesaving crew.
“It has struck me that although I was with KSS for such a relatively short time, your care
undoubtedly provided me with the best possible outcome from my accident."
-Sam, former KSS Patient
Sam’s vital signs were dangerously low, and he was in a critical condition. Time was ticking. When someone sustains a serious injury, every second counts. Once we had treated and stabilised Sam, we needed to fly him to a specialist hospital, which would have been an uncomfortable hour-long journey by road – but by air, we could get him to a major trauma centre in a matter of minutes.
Every spring, I brace myself for a surge in medical emergencies like Sam’s collision. With more people heading outside for bike rides, barbecues, and DIY projects, life-threatening incidents increase.
Sam sustained serious injuries which led to a long process of several surgeries and intensive
physiotherapy. I caught up with him recently, and it was great to see he’s making a good recovery. He’s back on his bike, too!
Last year, certain types of medical incidents doubled in spring compared with winter.
That means more
Reflecting on how his life today could have been very different given the severity of his collision, Sam told me:
“It has struck me that although I was with KSS for such a relatively short time, your care undoubtedly provided me with the best possible outcome from my accident.”
He added: “The crew brought a sense of calm among the other first responders. It was clear that the team were experienced in dealing with these incidents. They took control of the situation.”
Sam asked me to pass on an important message encouraging every cyclist to invest in the best helmet they can afford. So please, I hope you’ll enjoy the outdoors this spring, but whether you’re on a bike ride, doing DIY in the house or garden, or lighting the barbecue – do stay safe.
Tom Mikrut
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."