New air ambulance chief David takes over
A life-saving charity in the North East has a new man in charge of keeping it flying high.
David Stockton has taken over as the new chief executive of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
The 49-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, had previously ran his own businesses and spent five years working at board level within a multibillion pound company.
He said: “Whether it’s third sector, public sector or private sector, it’s all about getting results through people, aligning our energy and focus, and working efficiently.
“I’m inspired by the work of the air ambulance and know just how vital it is. In the short time I’ve been at GNAAS I’ve also been inspired by the talent and passion that already exists within the charity. I’m proud and honoured to be here.”
Mr Stockton said his immediate focus was on helping the charity emerge out of the coronavirus crisis – which is believed to be costing it more than £100,000 a month in lost donations.
He said: “We are facing some short-term challenges. Fundraising has been significantly impacted by lockdown and our attention has to be on ramping up our activities in the communities we serve as soon as we can safely do so.
“But beyond that we have an ambition to expand our amazing service so even more people can benefit.”
Mr Stockton takes over from the charity’s founder Grahame Pickering MBE after the charity announced his departure last month due to health reasons.
For more information about GNAAS, which relies on donations to survive, go to www.gnaas.com or call 01325 487263.