A charity dedicated to saving lives across the region has appointed Rebecca (Becca) Brackwell-Slade as its new Chair.
Becca has stepped into the role, having served on the Board since 2021. She has taken over from Cllr David Drew who stepped down after eight years as a Trustee and Chair.
Becca was inspired to join the Board as a volunteer after her partner was rescued by the service after being involved in an accident on the South Downs in September 2020.
Starting her career in the Army, deploying on a number of operational tours of duty, Becca left to pursue a career in professional services and currently oversees operations for a local engineering company working on innovative technology.
Becca said:
“I’ve been a long-time supporter of the air ambulance. Not only was I immediately grateful that they were there for my family when we needed them, and I committed to supporting them more actively going forward, but it sparked my interest to understand more about the service, the team and their operations. I therefore jumped at the chance to join the Board of Trustees when it was offered to me in 2021.
“I am passionate about the service we deliver – and there are so many exciting areas to get involved in. I will be very proud to see us establish and occupy our new airbase, as this will have a real impact on so many patients, allowing us to deploy quicker to those in need.
“Being Chair of this charity is a privilege. It’s about supporting everyone in our team, led by the CEO and Exec to deliver our mission to ensure ‘we always bring exceptional critical care to people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight’.”
Richard Corbett, the charity’s CEO, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to David for his help and support during his tenure on the Board and as Chair. He has provided guidance and assurance throughout the stages of our airbase relocation project, Operation Airbase, and we’re determined to continue developing under Becca’s stewardship, to allow us to be there for more patients than ever before.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance launched the charity’s biggest ever fundraising campaign in September 2024: Operation Airbase.
The service needs to raise £3.6 million to relocate its operations to a site near Southampton Airport.
Visit www.hiowaa.org/appeal for more information.
