The founding CEO of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) has expressed his thanks to the many people who have supported the charity, as he retires at the end of the month.

In 2016, the Great Western Air Ambulance was called to an average of four incidents a day, with Gloucestershire being its second busiest area.

John Christensen, who helped set up the charity in 2008, said: "I wanted to express my gratitude for everyone who has ever supported our cause by holding a fundraising event, volunteering, or making a donation. Our charity relies on donations to continue flying, and your generosity has meant that we can continue to provide a life saving service for the 2.1m people of our region."

Over the years, the charity has continued to expand to provide more essential lifesaving services for people in the region. Fundraising meant it was able to update its helicopter in 2014 and in 2016 GWAAC also got planning consent to build a new air base at a site in Almondsbury near Bristol.

John said: "Since those early days when we really were in a hand to mouth position, the charity has grown and flourished, thanks to the support of some amazing volunteers, our charity team, our trustees, the crew that work at our air base, the NHS clinical team and of course not forgetting all of the individuals who have fundraised for us - I cannot thank you enough as you have all helped us get to where we are today. I know that the people we have saved and their families are also extremely grateful for your support too.

"I am excited to see what the future holds for GWAAC, and know that I am leaving the charity with a very capable team in charge!"

Want to help fundraise? Find out more at http://www.greatwesternairambulance.com