The charity that funds NHS hospital helipads County Air Ambulance Trust has overhauled its finance team amid a number of staff members retiring.

Nicky Youster, who has 25 years’ experience in finance, has been appointed deputy head of finance, while Denise Rowe and Mira Lokaichuck have joined as fundraising executives.

Youster’s appointment has been made as the charity plans for the future retirement of the charity’s head of finance.

The move comes as the charity looks to raise £55m over the next five years to fund 50 new helipad projects across the country through its HELP Appeal.

Following a £2 million donation from us to fund the construction of a helipad on top of the first standalone Major Trauma Centre in the UK at #Salford Royal, the HELP Appeal team paid a visit to see the completed works! 👉https://t.co/2a3mqE9nF8 pic.twitter.com/YUQ8ErUxEw

— HELP Appeal (@HelipadHELP) June 21, 2024

Rowe joins from Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Services, where she was a Princes Trust and Partnership Development Management.

Meanwhile, Lokaichuck joins having worked in the banking sector for 13 years in the UK and Ukraine.

All three appointments are linked to retirement plans of postholders, said the charity’s chief executive Robert Bertram.

“Their extensive experience and passion for the charity’s mission will be invaluable as we continue to expand our efforts and impact across the country by funding life-saving helipads.”

---