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Our Heli Lands at Halewood Academy School

There was a special arrival at Halewood Academy School when the national Children’s Air Ambulance (TCAA) charity landed one of its new helicopters to meet representatives of the school and other Knowsley Council Academies.

The event was supported by MP for Garston and Halewood Maria Eagle, Mayor of Knowsley Council Cllr Jackie Harris, Everton FC legend Graeme Sharp, as the event showcased one of two new helicopters; the only flying intensive care units in the country dedicated to transferring critically ill children and babies from local hospitals to specialist paediatric treatment centres.

TCAA CEO Andy Williamson said: “On behalf of The Children’s Air Ambulance, I am delighted to have the opportunity to unveil the new state of the art Agusta 169 Helicopter with its custom designed clinical fit to the people of Merseyside. This aircraft will serve critically ill children in the region and across the UK, to help save many lives.

“Here in Merseyside we work closely with the NWTS (North West and North Wales Paediatric Service) team and clinical partners at Alder Hey who now have the benefit of a full-time, dedicated, fast transfer and retrieval service by air provided free of charge. I hope the good people of Merseyside will see the benefit and support our work.”

Visitors learnt about the bespoke equipment on board the aircraft and about the partnership TCAA is building with Knowsley Council academies to support education and students in areas such as first aid, science and care.nnThe charity, funded entirely by donations also unveiled their new fundraising initiative #TheCrew, a children’s club launched by TCAA to help children develop skills for later life.

Former patient, Bella Saker, who benefitted from the lifesaving service also supported TCAA on the day and has already signed up to #TheCrew!nnSpeaking at the event on behalf of Halewood Academy, Executive Principal Gary Evans said: “I am delighted that Halewood Academy has been chosen to host the Children’s Air Ambulance today.

It is a real privilege to welcome the staff and guests into school.  “It has been wonderful to see the students from local primary schools join students from the Academy to celebrate the launch of the Children’s Ambassador Club. We are really looking forward to working more with the service in the future as it will provide our students with a host of opportunities.”nn nn