WE can do it! With just two weeks to go until the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball 2012, The Star reveals why it is so important to back our campaign to raise vital cash for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA)

It is hoped the glamorous evening will raise thousands of pounds to ensure the life-saving service continues.

Katalin Fernando, a doctor on board the air ambulance, has today urged people to back the Ipswich Star’s Lifesaver Appeal, which aims to raise �10,000 to buy new equipment to help the charity’s crews lift off for night flying later this year.

The appeal, launched earlier this month, will help purchase eight to ten sets of wireless headsets to help pilots and crews communicate more effectively with medics on board.

Today Ipswich Star editor Nigel Pickover urged town residents to back the Press Ball, and support the air ambulance.

Ms Fernando said: “People’s support is vital. At any point in our lives any of us could require the services of the air ambulance and that is why campaigns like this are so important.

“The role of the air ambulance changes every time we are called out; sometimes we have to be a surgeon or an anaesthetist.

“We have to be flexible and we have to be able to adapt to meet the needs of the patient. We need to do that to help save lives.”

Ms Fernando was the doctor who performed a procedure on the roadside at the scene of a crash on the A14 at Nacton which claimed the life of Carmen Bucur.

The air ambulance was called on May 16 after Ms Bucur’s silver Vauxhall Corsa, which was being towed by a van, was in collision with a lorry.

Helen Dodman, a spokeswoman for EAAA, said: “The Ipswich Star’s Press Ball is an event which people look forward to year after year.

“Not only do people have a great evening out, but they do so in the knowledge that they’re helping to raise money for important local charities which really make a difference to local people.

“The LifeSaver Appeal is truly inspirational and we can’t thank the Ipswich Star enough for its support of the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

“We also extend that thanks to the many readers who have already backed the campaign and donated.”

Nigel Pickover, editor of the Ipswich Star, said: “The Press Ball will be such an exciting night and it raises money for some very important causes. Everyday we see the benefit of the air ambulance and it is so important we all get behind this appeal and reach this target. It is something we never want to see for ourselves, but we know it is vital for the future.”