"WITHOUT the air ambulance, I wouldn't be here today."

Those were the words of 71-year-old Linda, of Godshill, who had a heart attack and was flown to the mainland for specialist treatment by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Today is a special day for the charity — as it marks 14 years of flying and saving lives.

The specialist doctors, paramedics and pilots working on the front line have responded to more than 700 people in desperate need of critical care this year alone.

In April, the charity attended its 10,000th patient by air, when a young male who was involved in a road traffic collision near Ringwood, Hampshire, needed pre-hospital treatment.

It costs the charity, which receives no government funding, an average of £2,882 every time it is called out.

Leading the charge of appreciation is Linda, who has firsthand experience of using the service, when she suffered a devastating heart attack at her home.

The Isle of Wight Ambulance Service arrived on scene and soon realised Linda needed to be flown to the mainland.

Linda said: “The experience has made me realise just how much we need them. If you have a heart attack on the Isle of Wight, because they don’t do the required procedure here, you are reliant on the air ambulance to get you over to the mainland as quickly as possible.

"Had it not been for the air ambulance, I don’t think I would be here today.

"I just wish I could remember the faces of the lovely people on board the helicopter.

"Covid-19 aside, I'd love to give them a big hug and say thank you very much.”

HIOWAA acting chief executive Sherie Williams Ellen, said: “Over the last 14 years, with the backing of our fabulous supporters, we have worked tirelessly to provide the very best pre-hospital care to our patients.

"Whoever they are, every patient matters. Thank you to every single person who has donated over the past 14 years. I want every one of you to know what a vital role you have played in saving another life.”

To mark its 14th birthday, the charity has shared a short film, urging supporters to ‘look out for us so we can look out for you’.

Visit www.hiowaa.org