Debbie Donald was an avid supporter of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. She generously volunteered countless hours of her time to help save lives in our community.

Debbie sadly passed away in September 2021 at the age of 66. As part of her Will, Debbie kindly left the residual value of her entire estate to your local Air Ambulance – enough to fund a remarkable 54 emergency missions.

Debbie was a much-loved member of the team

In 2011, Debbie retired from a long career in the emergency services and was keen to find ways to keep physically and mentally active.

Debbie would often see our yellow and green helicopter flying around Hampshire and got in touch with the charity to see if she could help.

Debbie became a familiar and much-loved face in the office and among the community, as she began promoting our charity at public events, giving talks to schools and youth groups and distributing collection pots to businesses across the county.

Before she died, Debbie penned a tribute to the charity, saying:

“I feel so proud to be part of this amazing and critical service. And I feel so strongly about contributing in whichever way I can.

“I decided that should anything happen to me, and I was no longer able to raise money and awareness for the charity, I could make an enormous contribution through my Will.

“I visited my solicitors to ensure that the residual value of my estate is left to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

“I know that the gift in my Will ensures this amazing service can keep flying for the benefit of those that need them most.”

“This way I can draw comfort that my contribution will continue in the event of my death.”

Our Volunteering Manager Kirsty Davies, said:

“Debbie was a fiercely loved volunteer and friend to so many at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. She dedicated hour after hour, day after day, to helping save lives in her region – lives of people she would likely never meet. And her final donation typifies everything about her.”

Our Director of Income and Engagement, Keith Wilson, said:

“We are immensely grateful to Debbie for leaving this generous gift in her Will. Her kind actions will directly save lives in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. And I would encourage anyone else who is considering supporting us to draw inspiration from people like Debbie and support their local air ambulance charity in whichever way they can.”

Visit our dedicated gifts in Wills page or speak to a member of our team to learn more about leaving a lasting legacy and help save lives in your region.