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Charity Faked Air Service, Now Shutters
19 Aug
Summary
- Stoke Air Ambulance operated without an aircraft, base, or clinicians.
- The charity misled donors and claimed a non-existent helicopter service.
- Stoke Air Ambulance has officially announced its closure and winding-up.
The trustees of Stoke Air Ambulance CIO have announced the charity's closure, citing "great regret." This decision follows a statutory inquiry launched by the Charity Commission into concerns about the charity's activities and administration.
Earlier in 2026, the Fundraising Regulator found that Stoke Air Ambulance had created a misleading impression of operating a functional air ambulance service. Despite showing pictures of aircraft on its website, the charity had no actual helicopter ready to fly.
Further findings revealed the charity lacked an operational base, clinicians, and approval from the Care Quality Commission. It also encouraged donors to cancel contributions to other organizations.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which has been operational for 35 years, has emphasized its complete separation from Stoke Air Ambulance. They confirmed no organizational or operational connection exists.
