This memorable event is imminent and will be again held on 20th &21st April 2024. Follow link for more information;   Bluebell walk

2023 report

Last year was a great success and Local Lions Clubs pulled out all the stops to ensure visitors really enjoyed their visit.

Members and Friends of the Club joined 5 other East Sussex Lions Clubs when Lions hosted the public at the Arlington Bluebell walk over the weekend of 22/23rd April. This was to raise funds for specialist equipment for the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS).

Over the weekend 45 volunteers managed the entry kiosks, mobility scooters and cafe on both days from 10.00am to 5.00pm . All the food was prepared and served by Members and Friends of the Lions Clubs.

Organiser David Skinner from Hailsham Lions said ” The volunteers were fantastic and I would like to thank all of them for giving their time to help raise funds to support AAKSS. Saturday was particularly busy with 790 visitors with the Sunday having far fewer visitors due to the weather. The donation of £3,300 will go towards the purchase of seven new portable high frequency ultrasound scanning units and specialist kitbags.”

Lion President Simon Edwards added “Lions Clubs in the South East have had a long association with AAKSS and raised £250,000 to purchase specialist night vision goggles and other equipment which helped it to achieve its aim of night flying, thus offering 24×7 support, the first in the UK.

Clubs also organised a range of activities to raise over £35,000 to purchase a 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.

The clubs are now preparing to support the Lions/KSS head scanner project once patient trials confirm its viability. KSS truly make a difference and without public support they simply could not continue giving life-saving care, 24 hours a day.”

Further information about AAKSS can be found at www.aakss.org.uk

You can donate directly to the Lions’ Charity by following the link https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/10206