The county's air ambulance is desperately trying to raise more than half a million pounds to keep the life-saving helicopter in the skies.

Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS), the charity which operates the service, says it has lost huge amounts of money as fundraising events have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bosses say they now need £535,000 of emergency funding so the medical helicopter keeps flying to support almost five million people across the three counties.

The charity, which has its headquarters at Rochester Airport, has also seen its workload increase during the coronavirus outbreak and is working even more closely with the NHS.

Air ambulance crews have been called to transfer critically ill patients quickly between hospitals throughout Kent, Surrey and Sussex so they can receive the best available care they need.

The money is needed to help fund increased costs to operate safely during the pandemic and falling income.

Cancelled events and public donations would usually contribute to 89% of the charity's annual £14 million budget.

The charity has also seen operational costs rise such as ensuring there are full infection prevention controls in place for crew, patients and the aircraft.

Specialist equipment and protective clothing has been purchased for staff and crew so there is the appropriate kit for them to stay safe while carrying out their jobs.

Chief executive of KSS David Welch described the appeal as the charity's "most important" since it launched three decades ago.

He said: "Never in our 30-year history have we had to call on public support with this urgency.

"We are steadfast in our commitment to continuing our primary service at this time and are also fully committed to working on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic when called to do so, while ensuring the safety of our patients and our crew.

"However, we need help from our inspirational and generous supporters in order to deliver these services.

"We are completely reliant on the generosity of our donors and supporters"

“Like everyone, we are facing unprecedented times, and fundraising is incredibly challenging.

"As a charity, we are completely reliant on the generosity of our donors and supporters, with 89% of the £14m we need each year to deliver our life saving service being raised or donated by the public we serve.

"We could not operate without you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

“But we now urgently need your help. Please donate today to help KSS care and save lives.

“I thank you on behalf of each and every patient we treat and care for. Together we can save the lives of those who need us now more than ever.”

The air ambulance helicopter, which is based at Redhill in Surrey, will continue to work alongside the NHS and South East Coast Ambulance service.

Charity bosses have highlighted four items which donations would directly help crews.

These include £7.50 to fund nine sets of disposable moisture repellent coveralls, 200 fluid repellent surgical masks would be covered by a £35 donation.

Meanwhile, a £50 donation would fund 50 ventilator filters used to control infection in the aircraft and £620 would pay for one respirator to help patients breath and protect them from harmful substances as they are transported.

Donations can be made online at www.aakss.org.uk/appeal

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