The Deryshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance is based at East Midlands Airport and the service covers 2,100 square miles. It covers a population in excess of 1.4 million people plus a large number of motorists passing through the area each day.
If you are in an accident, there is an increased chance of survival if you reach a specialist trauma centre within the first 60 minutes, known as the 'Golden Hour'.
The helicopter, the fastest aircraft in the UK, with a top speed of 193 miles per hour can be airborne in 45 seconds. It can reach the most northerly part of its patch in 16 minutes, and the most southern point in 11 minutes. The average time to reach an incident on its patch is just 6 minutes.
The crew of three pilots, ten doctors and ten paramedics work a rota system to provide a 24 hour, 7 days a week service. The specialist equipment and medical supplies carried on board mean that many procedures can be carried out at the scene.
The service costs £1.5 million per year to operate and receives no funding from the Government or the National Lottery. It relies entirely on charitable donations.
The South Wingfield and District Classic Tractor Group have been raising funds for the Air Ambulance for several years and have so far raised over £6000.
If each of the 1.4 million people who live on the patch were to donate just £1 per year, the charity would meet its annual funding target.
To find out how to donate visit www.dlraa.co.uk