PRESS RELEASE

18 June 2025 - For immediate release
 

Manston International Airshow announces charity partners

Manston International Airshow has revealed the identity of its two major charity partners for the event this August. Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) and Brain Tumour Research will both benefit from the profits raised from the show which takes place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17^thAugust.
 
 

Both charities have been selected for their local and national impact and are close to the heart of airshow founder and organiser Bill Giles. 

Bill Giles said: "I am delighted to be able to announce our two official charity partners for the Manston International Airshow.In setting up this event I wanted it to not only celebrate the history of aviation at Manston but to help raise awareness of and funds for charities which mean a great deal to me personally and to the aviation community as whole."
 

 

"On behalf of everyone at Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the airshow for selecting us as one of the benefiting charities. 

"Every day we respond to an average of nine emergency calls but we can only do that with the support of our local community. It costs £56K a day to operate our lifesaving service and we can only raise this through the generosity of our supporters." 
 
Brain Tumour Research has particular importance to Bill because a family member is living with a brain tumour, diagnosed just a year ago.Max is currently receiving treatment anddocumenting his battle online,whilst also fundraising for Brain Tumour Research.
 

 

Charlie Allsebrook, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: 

"Max's story is a poignant reminder that brain tumours are indiscriminate, they can affect anyone at any age. At just 24, Max was diagnosed with a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of brain cancer. His determination to keep going, to raise awareness, and to live life with hope is truly inspiring.
 
 

"We're deeply grateful that the Manston International Airshow is supporting Brain Tumour Research and helping to shine a spotlight on this neglected disease. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to them since records began.

"Events like this help fuel our mission to increase investment in research to £35 million a year and to establish seven Centres of Excellence across the UK. With the support of the airshow and the wider community, we move closer to a future where stories like Max's don't end in heartbreak, but in hope."

For more information on the airshow, display line-up and to buy tickets go to:www.manstoninternationalairshow.com

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For more information, please contact: Manston International Airshow Press Office
Alison Miles or Samantha Williams
Tel: 07900 691116 or 07972 888174
Email:Media@manstoninternationalairshow.com

Notes to editors

Please use the links in blue below each photo to download the original images.
 

About Bill Giles

Bill Giles is well known as the founder and organiser of the Weald Of Kent Steam and Country Show which he has run successfully for the last 11 years. With a passion for aviation and airshows, dating back to the heady days of watching the likes of Brian Lecomber, Phil Meeson and the Royal Jordanian Falcons, Bill became a commercial and display pilot flying the iconic Pitts Special. He was also team manager for the Honda Dream Team in the 2000s.