Local Girl Thanks Air Ambulance

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(L-R) Rachel, Pilot - Pete Driver and Rachel's friend Albe

Rachel Porterfield had a very personal reason to join forces with the Worthing Steyne Rotary Club to raise funds for the Sussex Air Ambulance.

In March 2007, Rachel, a pupil at Sir Robert Woodward Academy in Lancing, had a serious accident and was airlifted to a specialist burns unit in Essex.

When Mike Kavanagh, president of the Worthing Steyne Rotary Club until June 2009 chose to support Sussex Air Ambulance during his year of presidency, Rachel stepped in and helped with many of the collections.

West Sussex County Fundraiser for the Air Ambulance, Delaine Shearman said "We are grateful for the support of Worthing and Steyne Rotary Club, and especially to Rachel and her friend Albe who helped to raise this money."

A group from the Rotary Club visited the Air Ambulance's base with Rachel and Albe recently to present a cheque for £1,500 to the charity. After the presentation, they were able to meet the crew and learn more about the work of the life-saving helicopter. The group also included the new president, David Chapman.

Sussex Air Ambulance responds to an average of three medical emergencies every day. It costs £1.7 million a year to support the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service which is funded almost entirely by voluntary donations.