Local Lions Clubs raised funds for the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) when they hosted the public at the Arlington Bluebell walk over the weekend of 23/24th April. The 24 acre ancient oak wood hosts a magnificent display of bluebells and white wood anemones as well as a 6 acre wildflower meadow and areas offering a sensory experience. Members managed the walks, entry kiosks and the cafe. All the food was prepared and served by Members and Friends of the Lions Clubs.

The two days were hectic and the cafe was non-stop from 10.00am to 5.00pm on both days, fulfilling 4,200 orders. The weekend raised £5,400 all of which will be donated to AAKSS.

Organiser David Skinner from Hailsham Lions said ” The donation will go towards the purchase of specialist monitors. In addition to monitoring the patient’s vital signs, the Tempus Pro monitor can transmit live patient data, video, and audio from the scene to a remote on call consultant. As a result, accurate information of patient injuries, vital signs and administered drugs and their effect can be analysed remotely enabling advice to be given by a Consultant Surgeon or Senior Doctor.”

Lions Clubs in the South East have had a long association with AAKSS.

They raised £250,000 to purchase specialist night vision goggles and other equipment which helped the charity to achieve its aim of night flying.

Clubs organised a range of activities to raise over £35,000 to purchase a fully equipped Volvo XC90 rapid response vehicle. The car is used by AAKSS to provide  pre-hospital emergency medical care by road when circumstances such as bad weather prevent it from using helicopters.

During the Covid lockdown, Lions worked with Air Ambulances UK to compile a list of equipment and supplies needed by individual air ambulance charities.They had been busier than ever and faced considerable extra, unbudgeted day to day costs, as lockdown had affected fund-raising. Thanks to an emergency COVID-19 relief grant totaling £161,468 from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF),immediate support was provided for this emergency service that touches lives in all our communities. Visit www.aakss.org.uk to learn more about their live saving work.

Details of the walk can be found at www.bluebellwalk.co.uk.

To find out more about Bexhill Lions Club and membership opportunities visit Bexhill Lions FB page or call Lion Rick on 0845 833 9591