20 years of the East Anglian Air Ambulance - in pictures

  • Watch a report from ITV News reporter Rob Setchell


The East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) is celebrating 20 years of lifesaving service.

When the charity started it had £10,000 in the bank, one small helicopter and a handful of volunteers.

Now, it has got bases in Cambridge and Norwich - and has flown almost 30,000 missions. 

Credit: EAAA

When the EAAA first took off, it only had enough volunteers and funding to operate on Fridays.

Credit: ITV

The first helicopter, which flew from Norwich Airport, was called 'Anglia One'.

Credit: EAAA

Since September 6 2000, the organisation has helped almost 20,000 patients.

Credit: ITV

In July 2001, EAAA became operational seven days a week. The above charity shop, in Ipswich, was opened in order to fund the change.

The EAAA Cambridge base was opened by the Queen in December 2016.

Credit: PA

The Duke of Cambridge flew as a pilot for EAAA from July 2015 to July 2017.

Credit: EAAA

EAAA delivers first aid training in workplaces and the community.

Credit: EAAA

During a global pandemic, the charity continued to get huge support. When it needed £100,000 for protective equipment to help fight coronavirus, the community raised three times this amount in a fortnight.