Launching this November, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is asking residents of Kent, Surrey and Sussex to Host a Roast and help the life-saving charity raise vital funds.
With the prospect of days getting colder and nights drawing in, KSS is inviting people to come together with friends, family or colleagues to enjoy a roast – or meal of choice – and, through donations, support the charity. This will be KSS’s first Host a Roast event, and the charity hopes to raise £50,000.
Each year, KSS must raise £15.2M to operate its pre-hospital emergency medicine service 24/7 for the 4.8 million people who live in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. 86% of its total income is raised through the generosity of KSS’s supporters.
Two of the patients whose lives have been saved by KSS are Sam Jenner and her son, Jack. Sam said:
“Without KSS, I wouldn’t be here and nor would my son. In September 2018 I was 23 weeks pregnant and was getting ready for work when I collapsed after experiencing a cardiac arrest. I woke up in hospital three days later.”
“KSS’s medics came to my aid, kept me alive and transferred me into the care of King’s College Hospital where, on 29 November, my son Jack was born. I needed heart surgery a couple of weeks later.”
She added:
“I know just how lucky we are, and will never be able to thank KSS enough for saving us. I also know that the charity can only operate thanks to its supporters, and as a family we will be Hosting a Roast in November.”
“KSS is an incredible charity, and by taking part in Host a Roast, we can all help them to save even more lives in the future.”
Dr Eyston Vaughan-Huxley, the KSS doctor who treated Sam, said:
“I remember Sam’s incident as if it was yesterday. We attended shortly after the ground ambulance crews had arrived and undertaken some critical interventions in resuscitating her. Continuing from this, we proceeded to deliver an anaesthetic for Sam in the front garden of her house, with some specific considerations given her pregnancy, before flying her to hospital.”
“We always aim to follow up our patients, and when I called the hospital several days later, it was wonderful to learn that Sam and her unborn baby were recovering from her cardiac arrest – and she was even able to talk to me for the first time.”
He continued:
“Since then, I have had the opportunity to meet Sam and Jack, and it makes us all so happy whenever Sam drops by with Jack and his younger sister, Mia. It reminds us of how fortunate we are to work for the KSS team. We are so grateful to Sam and her family for continuing to support our charity through events such as Host a Roast.”
Helene Poursain, Head of Public Fundraising said: “To many, we are thought of as an ambulance in the sky that can race quickly to the scene of a medical emergency or serious injury, but KSS is so much more than speed alone. We bring the emergency department to our patients, wherever they need us.”
“In 2021, we experienced our busiest year in our 32-year history, responding to 3,051 incidents. To date, this year has been even busier. To keep our crew in the air and ready to provide expert critical care wherever it is needed, we rely on the dedication, support and donations from our communities.”
She added: “By coming together with friends, family or colleagues this winter to enjoy a roast – or whatever your favourite meal might be – you will be joining us in our fight to save lives.”
Host a Roast – How it Works
1. Host it!
Choose a date that works for you and invite your friends, family, colleagues or community to join you for a delicious meal together.
2. Roast it!
Enjoy a fantastic day with your chosen guests, sharing a lovely meal of your choice together. Make the most of the fundraising resources available at aakss.org.uk to make it a fun-filled day!
3. Raise it!
Ask your guests to make a donation to join you on the day, every pound raised will help KSS in the fight to save lives.
For further information and to register for Host a Roast visit aakss.org.uk/hostaroast or call 01634 471 900. Hosts will receive a free tea towel and fundraising pack.
For further information about Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS): aakss.org.uk