Update on the Urgent Fundraising Appeal by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust

Thank you to everyone who has generously supported Vulcan XH558.

In the two weeks since launching our urgent appeal, you have donated £35,670 and we have also received match funds of £35,000 from private donors. Your support is making a real difference in helping to keep XH558 safe during this critical period. However, we still have a way to go to secure her protection over the next 12 months.

Every donation counts. Thank you for standing with us.

The Trust’s last emergency appeal was in 2016–17, when we were required to vacate Hangar 3 and make staff redundancies. Our core business model was destroyed, with potential seven-day access for visitors, events venue and a physical shop all ceasing to exist. For more than eight years since, we’ve sustained the charity through creative initiatives like “Names” campaigns, which allow supporters to place their names on XH558 in return for donations. Like all charities, Vulcan to the Sky Trust relies on the generous support of the British public to achieve its charitable objects.

Since having to leave Hangar 3, the charity has weathered a storm of challenges. The complete loss of event income, shop sales and public tours hit hard. Combined with the devastating impact of the pandemic, it has tested our resilience. The more recent suspension of XH558’s popular engine ground runs has further impacted income, placing the charity under serious financial strain. Over the time that we have not been able to carry out this activity we have lost £230k of income.

We are working hard towards resuming engine ground runs, events that both excite visitors and provide essential engine maintenance. Positive discussions are ongoing with FlyDoncaster, and we’re cautiously optimistic that these popular events can return early in 2026.

Marc Walters, chief executive of Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said, “We remain optimistic that, with a strong response to our appeal, continued cost-saving efforts, a successful Christmas season in our online store, and the return of engine runs in the new year, we can continue supporting XH558 for the foreseeable future.

“We’re also positively sure that without urgent funding now, her future is at risk. Every contribution is vital to ensuring XH558 continues to receive the protection and care she so rightly deserves.”

Marc continued, “If we can secure the income necessary to see us through the next 12 months, that will enable us to work with the local authority and other supportive partners on the exciting Vulcan Experience programme, the original vision of Dr Robert Pleming.”

To donate or learn more, visit the appeal page