A British icon has expressed her shock at London having only one emergency medical helicopter for over 10m people.

Model, actress and singer Twiggy, who now lives in Kensington, has backed a campaign for a second helicopter for London’s Air Ambulance.

The London-born supermodel has expressed her love for the capital by supporting the London’s Air Ambulance Your London, Your Helicopter campaign – calling for a second medical emergency helicopter.

Having discovered that London has only a single emergency medical helicopter for the 10m people in London every day, Twiggy visited London’s Air Ambulance to support its campaign.

In its largest ever fundraising drive, the Your London, Your Helicopter campaign is hoping to raise £4.4m, of which £2.29m is still needed, to acquire and sustain a second helicopter and extend its daylight flying hours for five years.

Twiggy said: “I love London. I grew up in north-west London and now live in Kensington.

"I was shocked to find out that London only has one helicopter for life-threatening medical emergencies.

"When I learnt London’s Air Ambulance needed to raise money for a second helicopter, I wanted to help this life-saving charity in any way I can.

“Standing on the London’s Air Ambulance’s helipad, it struck me that the single red helicopter in front of me might be the difference between somebody living or dying that day.

“It could be me, you, or one of our beloved friends or family that one day need the help of London’s Air Ambulance.

"If you agree that London needs a second helicopter, please donate at yourhelicopter.london or text HELICOPTER to 70800 to donate £5. It will take you two minutes, two minutes can help save someone’s life in London.”

Renowned celebrity photographer, Brian Aris, also donated his time to capture photos of the supermodel sporting the campaign t-shirt.

Graham Hodgkin, air ambulance chief executive officer, said: “When we can fly, we can deliver the hospital to your side, wherever you are, up to eight times faster than in a car. Our desire is to do this every day, every daylight hour possible. To achieve this, we need a second helicopter.

“Last year, our only helicopter was offline for maintenance for 55 days. That’s why we are calling on the people and organisations of London to join together in owning the solution to London’s vital need for a second emergency medical helicopter.

"On behalf of our patients, I would like to thank Twiggy and everyone who has donated to the campaign so far.”