An air ambulance charity with no aircraft, which was found in breach of the Fundraising Regulator’s code earlier this year, has announced it is to close.

Stoke-on-Trent based charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) Stoke Air Ambulance provided equipment and services for UK air ambulances and had sought to set up its own service for the Staffordshire city.

However, in February the Fundraising Regulator found that it was in breach of its code as its fundraising “did not make it clear enough” that it “did not yet operate a functional air ambulance service”.

It is also being investigated by the Charity Commission, which launched a statutory inquiry earlier this year to assess “whether its goal of obtaining and operating an air ambulance service is viable”.

This week the CIO’s trustees have announced that following “an exceptionally difficult decision” it is to close.

They said that they “have had to consider the challenges arising from regulatory intervention” in the decision.

They have also made the move amid “the significant practical, operational and financial difficulties involved in progressing plans for a sustainable and viable operational air ambulance charity”.

Their statement adds: “Having undertaken that review and taken appropriate professional advice, the trustees have concluded that it is no longer in the best interests of the charity to continue pursuing its objectives through the development of an operational air ambulance service.

“As charity trustees, we have a duty to act responsibly and in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries.

“We believe that the most appropriate course of action is therefore to wind up the charity in an orderly manner and ensure that its remaining assets continue to be used for charitable purposes.”

After its debts are met any surplus funds will be distributed to local charities with a similar purpose.

Their statement adds: “We appreciate that this announcement will be disappointing for many people who have supported the charity over the years. The trustees share that disappointment. However, after careful consideration of all relevant factors, we believe this decision represents the most responsible way forward.

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to every donor, fundraiser, employee, volunteer, supporter and partner organisation that has contributed to Stoke Air Ambulance. Your commitment and generosity have been greatly appreciated.”

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