It is with great regret that the trustees of Stoke Air Ambulance CIO announce that they have taken the decision to close the charity and commence an orderly winding-up process.
This has been an exceptionally difficult decision. Since the charity was established, trustees, volunteers, supporters, staff and donors have worked towards a shared ambition of developing an air ambulance service to benefit people across Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area. We remain enormously grateful to everyone who has supported that vision.
Over an extended period, the trustees have carefully reviewed the charity’s position and explored a range of options for its future. In doing so, they have had to consider the challenges arising from regulatory intervention, together with the significant practical, operational and financial difficulties involved in progressing plans for a sustainable and viable operational air ambulance charity.
Having undertaken that review and taken appropriate professional advice, the trustees have concluded that it is no longer in the best interests of the charity to continue pursuing its objectives through the development of an operational air ambulance service.
As charity trustees, we have a duty to act responsibly and in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries. We believe that the most appropriate course of action is therefore to wind up the charity in an orderly manner and ensure that its remaining assets continue to be used for charitable purposes.
Following payment of all outstanding liabilities and the costs associated with the winding-up process, the trustees intend that any surplus funds will be distributed to local charities whose purposes are similar to, or fall within, those of Stoke Air Ambulance CIO. In this way, the funds generously donated by supporters will continue to be applied for the benefit of local communities and charitable causes aligned with the charity’s aims.
As part of this process, the charity has taken steps to cancel all existing direct debit arrangements with immediate effect. Donors do not need to take any action. No further donations wll be collected whilst the winding-up process is underway.
We appreciate that this announcement will be disappointing for many people who have supported the charity over the years. The trustees share that disappointment. However, after careful consideration of all relevant factors, we believe this decision represents the most responsible way forward.
We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to every donor, fundraiser, employee, volunteer, supporter and partner organisation that has contributed to Stoke Air Ambulance. Your commitment and generosity have been greatly appreciated.
Further updates regarding the winding-up process and the distribution of the charity’s remaining funds will be published on this website as matters progress.