New CEO to lead Air Ambulance Charity

Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance (DSAA) has appointed a new chief executive officer to lead the Charity into an exciting future.

Bill Sivewright, a former Army helicopter commander, assumed the appointment on Friday (September 10), taking over from Adrian Wray, who has stepped down after successfully helping the Charity to relocate its helicopter base to an excellent new facility at Henstridge, Dorset.

Bill said: “I am very much looking forward to working with the excellent team of staff and volunteers of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and helping them to develop the first class service it provides for the people of both counties.”

His 34-year Army career included commanding the UK’s helicopter force in Iraq, where he was also responsible for delivering the air ambulance for the British forces

Since leaving the Army in 2009, Bill has been a trustee of the Christian charity God Unlimited, based near Stonehenge, which provides outdoor and equine therapy activities for a wide range of people suffering from physical, mental, or social difficulties.

The Chairman of Trustees of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, Terri Gill, said: “We are delighted that we have been able to attract such a high-calibre individual as Bill to boost our management team.

“I am sure that his vast experience with helicopters and the organisation and logistic skills which come from his Army career will bring enormous benefits to our Charity.

“One of our biggest challenges is to ensure that we continue to raise the £1.4 million a year which we need to keep our life-saving helicopter flying.

“As we do not receive any Government or National Lottery funding, we have to raise all our money through public support.”

DSAA is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has attended more than 7,500 emergencies since its launch, saving many lives with the speed at which casualties have been taken to hospital.

More information about DSAA can be found by visiting www.dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk, or can be obtained by emailing info@dorsetandsomersetairambulance.org.uk or calling 01823 669604.