A VOLUNTEER from Worcestershire dubbed 'Jenny from the Chopper' who has raised more than £2 million for the air ambulance was among those celebrated at an awards ceremony.

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity hosted its AIR25 celebration party, recognition awards and charity ball at Edgbaston Stadium on Friday (July 8).

The night raised a £158,000 which will fund 63 lifesaving air ambulance missions.

Jenny Ashman of Inkberrow won volunteer of the year award.

‘Jenny from the Chopper’ as she is affectionately known, has raised almost £2 million for the charity in her 24 years of support.

In association with corporate partner, Concept Resourcing, the evening which was attended by supporters from across the Midlands, acknowledged and celebrated the people that have played a vital part in the charity’s 25 years of operation.

The evening began at 6.30pm with a three course meal and award ceremony, before guests made their way to the celebration party room to be entertained by a live band, stilt walkers, jugglers, an acrobatic display, a fire eater and an LED hula girl.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said the fundraiser had surpassed expectations.

She added: "We are extremely grateful to all of the sponsors and supporters who helped to raise such a phenomenal amount of money for the charity."

Strensham based aircrew supervisor Julian Spiers, and RAF Cosford based pilot, Richard Steele, were winners of the innovation award, accepting it on behalf of clinical aircrew, Babcock Mission Critical Services, and a number of non-clinical Community Emergency Landing Light Supporters (CELLS), who have enabled the charity to get a step closer to undertaking air ambulance missions at night.

Chris Short, managing director of Concept Resourcing adds: “It was a fantastic evening thoroughly enjoyed by all and we’re thrilled to have been part of such an important fundraiser for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.”