It's a charity that's been providing emergency care for us all round the clock for 30 years.

And this month you can repay the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) for the last three decades of care - during which it has treated more than 30,000 patients - by joining its 30 for 30 Challenge.

Launched to celebrate KSS’s 30th anniversary and help raise vital funds, the challenge encourages participants to create their own 30-themed fundraiser throughout September.

Focused on health and well-being, supporters are encouraged to get up and get active, or take up a challenge that focuses on promoting well-being, such as learning a new skill.

You could give up a favourite treat for 30 days; run 30 miles, or read 30 new books - all while helping the life-saving charity raise much-needed funds.

In April, the charity launched its Coronavirus Emergency Appeal to cover the extra costs of operating its world-class pre-hospital emergency response service safely during the pandemic, and to cover the loss of income after its major fundraising events had to be cancelled.

The appeal has raised more than over £1m so far, which has helped keep fully operational, but it still faces a shortfall of £1.9m for the charity which flies over 2,500 missions a year.

Chief executive David Welch said: “This has been a momentous year for KSS. In February, we were honoured to receive a visit from HRH The Princess Royal, to launch our 30th year, and in March we became the first UK Air Ambulance service to be rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) across all five of its inspection criteria.”

“And then Coronavirus - an unprecedented challenge that has impacted us all. With a robust pandemic plan in place, we have been able to continue to support the NHS and serve our communities without interruption throughout this period - but the additional costs and loss of fundraising income are significant, and for the first time in our 30-year history we have had to launch an emergency fundraising appeal.”

Lynne Harris, executive director of income generation, added: “We had a number of special events planned for this summer to celebrate our 30th anniversary and to thank the community for the wonderful support we receive.

"Although our plans have had to change, we hope that the 30 for 30 Challenge is a way for us to still celebrate this milestone and to help us raise critical funds, whilst being active and focussing on our well-being too.”

How to get involved in the 30 for 30 Challenge

Choose an activity inspired by the number 30. You could do something for 30 days, a 30-hour run, walk or hop, anything, so long as it revolves around the number 30. Then get your friends and family to sponsor you, to raise vital funds.

Tag @airambulancekss #kss30for30 on social media with any photos or videos of your challenge. You can also email them to hello@aakss.org.uk

The charity operates out of Redhill Aerodrome and has its headquarters in Rochester , serving a population of 4.8 million plus those who travel through the area – one of the busiest in the UK.

The charity was also the first - and currently only - 24/7 helicopter emergency medical service in the country. Of the £14m needed to sustain the service each year, 89% is raised by public donation and fundraising.

For further information visit aakss.org.uk

For more events across the county click here