Mixed emotions on leaving base but happy to be coming ‘home’

Leigh Curtis, operations manager for KSSAA, visited the new facility at Rochester Airport on Tuesday and said it looked amazing.

He added: “We’re really excited about the fact we’re getting a new advanced helicopter that will change things fundamentally for our patients, and to bring it here alongside the charity is really important.

“The people who fund the charity get to see where their money goes. This is a state-ofthe-art facility for a state-ofthe-art helicopter.”

He said the new site met the requirements of the new helicopter, and enabled it to cover a wider area.

But aside from practical considerations, it was also something of a homecoming for the air ambulance, which was first based at Rochester Airport.

He said: “It’s almost like we’ve come full circle. When I started in 1996, headquarters was down in Staplehurst but operationally we were based here in a leaky mobile building by the tower.”

On leaving the base at Marden, he said: “I think there’s mixed emotions. The people of Marden have taken us to their hearts.

“We’re quite sad but at the same time it’s a bit of a homecoming. You just have to look at the facilities and you know that people are going to be excited to work somewhere that provides our future for the next 30 years. It’s like coming full circle but it’s also the next step forward.” The chief executive of Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance says the move from Marden to Rochester was vital to ensure the life-saving service can continue to operate smoothly for years to come.

Adrian Bell explained: “At this significant time of development within our service, our new charity offices will enable our hardworking team to foster their creativity.

“They will also be able to work with volunteers, fundraisers and supporters alike to ensure we can continue being there for the people of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

“Rochester Airport is an integral part of our ability to operate our two aircraft and run our service smoothly for years to come, so we are very much looking forward to the months ahead.”

He added: “It is very exciting for us to be part of Innovation Park Medway.”