The efforts of Dorset and Somerset Freemasons have culminated in a grant of£30,000 for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA). Freemasons from across the region gathered at Henstridge Air Base, home of DSAA to make the presentation to Bill Sivewright, Chief Executive Officer of the DSAA. The DSAA service costs over £2 million each year with an approximate cost per mission close to £3000. Donations such as that given by local Freemasons, not only help keep the helicopter in the air but also help purchase specialist pieces of equipment, saving lives across the two counties.
Dr Phil Hyde, the Medical Lead and Paul Owen, the Specialist Paramedic for DSAA demonstrated the equipment they use in the Air Ambulance. They explained that the Air Ambulance can be at any point in the two counties in less than 20 minutes. More importantly, the helicopter can, if required,then take a patient to the nearest Major Trauma Centre in the South West within a further 20 minutes.
Richard Merritt, leader of Dorset Freemasons said. “The Air Ambulance Service is a vital resource in our region; a number of the wider Dorset Freemasonry family have been saved by this service and it is privilege tobe able to support its work.”
The money donated to DSAA by Dorset and Somerset Freemasons was raised entirely from Freemasons and their families and friends. 2017 is the 300th Anniversary of the formation of English Freemasonry and local Masons are celebrating this milestone with special fundraising for local charities and good causes.
Mark Burstow
