Former Hampshire constable donates estate to air ambulance

Debbie Donald, who passed away at the age of 66, dedicated countless hours and days to supporting the life-saving charity.

Her generous donation will fund up to 54 emergency missions.

Having retired from a long career in the emergency services in 2011, Debbie spent countless hours volunteering for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

In a tribute written before she died, Debbie said: "I feel so proud to be part of this amazing and critical service. And I feel so strongly about contributing in whichever way I can.

"I know that the gift in my Will ensures this amazing service can keep flying for the benefit of those that need them most."

Kirsty Davies, the charity's volunteering manager, said: "Debbie was a fiercely loved volunteer and friend to so many at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

"She dedicated hour after hour, day after day, to helping save lives in her region – lives of people she would likely never meet. And her final donation typifies everything about her."  

Volunteer Debbie Donald (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance)

Keith Wilson, the director of income and engagement for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, expressed immense gratitude for Debbie's generous gift.

He emphasized that her kind actions would directly save lives in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and encouraged others to draw inspiration from her example.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance plays a vital role in the region, providing specialist doctors and paramedics to critically ill and injured patients 365 days a year.

The charity relies heavily on funds from gifts in wills, with one in every five missions being funded in this way.

Each mission costs approximately £3,320.

Last year alone, the specialist medical teams from the charity responded to 1,814 emergency calls, and they are on track to respond to even more this year.

Debbie, who lived in Petersfield, dedicated her time to volunteering in various roles throughout Hampshire.

Prior to her retirement, she served as a Police Constable for Hampshire Constabulary, joining the force in 1982.

She worked in Basingstoke and became an Area Car Driver.

From 1992 to 1996, she served in the Force Control Room.

After a brief career break, she returned to the force as PC 680, specialising as a Roads Policing Officer.

In 2000 she undertook a specialist role dealing with foreign nationals which led her working with Special Branch in 2007 where she was involved in liaison duties with various Border Agencies.