The air ambulance service has launched an appeal to raise money for a second helicopter to patrol Sussex.

Kent Air Ambulance Trust, which is paid for entirely by donations, is being extended from September to begin saving lives across Sussex but there is only one aircraft to cover the whole patch.

The charity needs to raise £50,000 to start the service and hopes to raise a further £200,000 by March next year to buy another helicopter.

The new aircraft may be based at Gatwick to reduce response times.

Mark Farley, 40, a carpenter, of Northfield Way, Brighton, was rescued by the helicopter after a crash with an articulated lorry.

He said: "I was a passenger in a car with a work colleague last October on the M2 near Faversham when a 44-tonne articulated lorry crashed into us and several other cars.

"We were about fourth or fifth ahead of the lorry in a queue of traffic but all the cars were write-offs. Lots of people were injured.

"I can't remember what happened but the ambulance arrived and got me to Maidstone Hospital really quickly. It was amazing.

"I had a broken neck, broken ribs, broken foot, smashed shoulder, facial wounds and I had to have a tracheotomy.

"I had MRSA and went down to 8st. I am very lucky to be alive and I believe the Kent air ambulance saved vital minutes in getting me to hospital.

"It is an absolutely incredible service. At the moment, where you are in Sussex depends on your chances of survival and there should be another helicopter.

"The first hour is crucial and what with increased congestion on the roads a helicopter could save a lot of time.

"If everyone in the county gave just 10p a year it could be paid for. How can you put a price on life?"

Under Charity Commission rules the trust cannot use money raised in Kent to subsidise the service in Sussex and Surrey.

Audrey Dickenson, 83, of Battle Road, St Leonards, was invited to the launch of the appeal at Beachy Head yesterday morning after donating £1,000 to the charity on two occasions.

She said: "When I heard of the expansion I knew that I wanted to donate some money.

"It is such a worthwhile cause and they need money to keep it going and to have a second helicopter."

The service, which began in 1989, costs £1.5 million a year.

It has attended 10,000 call-outs from its base in Marden, Kent, and is estimated to have saved at least 400 lives.

Flight nurse Rob Wilkinson said: "At the moment we can reach any hospital within about seven minutes.

"Hopefully, if we had a helicopter in Sussex we could provide the county with the same service.

"I think the people of Sussex and Surrey could really benefit from this service and really want it."

For more information on how to donate call 01622 833833.