The Power of Purpose-Driven Fundraising with Denise from The HELP Appeal

I had the pleasure of speaking with Denise from the HELP Appeal County Air Ambulance Trust, a charity doing absolutely vital work, funding helipads and emergency air ambulance services that save lives every single day.

Denise’s approach to fundraising is nothing short of fearless. She brings energy, heart and strategy to a sector that’s often misunderstood, and she lifts the lid on what it really takes to build meaningful, long-term support for a cause. We talk about the challenges of running a charity that doesn’t receive a penny from government or lottery funding, and how that makes relationships and real human connections the lifeblood of the organisation.

She shares her honest take on fundraising myths, including the common assumption that only wealthy individuals can make a real impact. Denise makes it clear that generosity takes many forms, from donations and volunteering to corporate partnerships and community networking.

What really stood out to me is her deep understanding of donor psychology: why people give, how they stay engaged, and what it means to build trust over time. Her passion is infectious, and her story is a reminder of how businesses can get involved in something bigger, not just through money, but through presence, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose.

About the HELP Appeal:

Since 2009, the HELP Appeal has been providing significant grants to fund life-saving helipads at Major Trauma Centres and key A&E Hospitals around England and Scotland.

Every flight, every landing, every life, depends entirely on the financial generosity of individuals, organisations, businesses, clubs, schools and local communities. As we don’t receive one single penny in Government or National Lottery funding, charitable donations are our lifeblood without which we would not exist and helipads might not be built or upgraded.

The HELP Appeal is run by the County Air Ambulance Trust and is the only charity in the country funding helipads nationally.

Support the HELP Appeal here

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