Hever Castle has announced Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) as its Charity of the Year for 2026, pledging year-long support. From the start of the 2026 season in February through to the end of the Castle’s Christmas celebrations in January 2027, the historic estate will be fundraising to help keep KSS helicopters flying and critical care teams delivering specialist treatment when it matters most. Throughout the year, visitors will be invited to support the charity by adding a voluntary donation when booking tickets online, as well as through collection points located across the Castle and grounds.

Kerry Campbell from the Corporate Partnerships Team at KSS says: “It costs £20.8m per year for us to be there for the thousands of severely injured and critically ill people among our shared community. 91% of our total income is raised through the incredible generosity of our supporters.  It’s already been a wonderful start to the partnership, with many of Hever’s staff exited to meet our crew, demonstrating that having the support of such an iconic destination as Hever Castle, is going to make a huge impact.”

The announcement follows another successful year of charitable fundraising at Hever Castle. In 2025, visitors raised more than £20,300 for Cancer Research UK, demonstrating the generosity of guests and the Castle’s ongoing commitment to supporting vital causes.

KSS is the local air ambulance service for the region, providing rapid response, advanced medical care to thousands of people each year who are seriously injured or critically ill. Funded almost entirely by public donations, KSS relies on community support to remain operational. By choosing KSS as Charity of the Year, the Castle hopes to raise both vital funds and awareness, helping to ensure the service can continue to be there for those who need it most.

To find out more about Kent Surrey Sussex, visit www.aakss.org.uk