DONATIONS have poured into the Evening Post offices in Bristol from readers supporting Great Western Air Ambulance's appeal to raise £1.3 million.

Within a week of the Sky's The Limit campaign being launched to help keep the helicopter flying, £2,000 has already been raised.

Great Western Air Ambulance (GWAA) is not funded by the NHS, so the team behind the lifesaving service has to raise the funds necessary to continue attending emergencies.

The crew is made up of specialist paramedics and emergency doctors who fly to the most serious incidents and take A&E-standard care to the scene. By sending the team to patients with head injuries, stab or shooting wounds, burns, spinal and limb problems, they can sedate or anaesthetise them at the scene and carry out the same procedures that would be carried out in an emergency department, before moving them to the most appropriate hospital for their condition once they are stable.

Paramedics and drugs are paid for by the local ambulance service, but doctors work voluntarily and a dedicated charity raises funds for the helicopter, fuel, uniforms and equipment. Without a minimum of £1.3 million a year, the service would cease to run.

GWAA was launched in June, flying five days a week, and until there is enough money in the charity's bank account, they will not be able to run their helicopter service every day.

Among the people who have sent donations to the Sky's the Limit appeal are Unice and Mervyn Knight, of Cadbury Heath.

Mrs Knight, 79, lost her leg after being hit by a car in Hanham 13 years ago and knows how important it is to have the best possible care at the scene.

She said: "I think it is something completely vital and would go all out for it, I'm just waiting to win on the lottery so I can give them more money. Every time I hear the helicopter go over, I have to go out and watch it, there's no stopping me."

Christine Cox, of Southville, donated to the appeal in memory of her mother, who was once rescued by the Essex Air Ambulance while living on Mersea Island, which is inaccessible to traffic at high tide.

Donor Marion Kayaalp, a firstaider at Thornbury Leisure Centre, said because time was vitally important in matters of life and death, the air ambulance was invaluable.

Many of the people who have sent donations to the Sky's The Limit appeal have not had personal experience of the air ambulance, but know that there is always the possibility the crew could help save a loved one.

GWAA Charity chief executive Paul Weir said: "We are delighted with the initial response and would like to thank readers of the Evening Post for their generosity and encourage those who may not yet have made donations to please join in.

"The fact remains that we need £1.3 million this year to keep the aircraft flying. I am sure that the help with the Evening Post we will reach our target. There is a long way to go, but we have made a good start."