A charity event has raised enough money to fund 55 life-saving missions.
Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's Recognition Awards and Charity Ball event raised a record-breaking £84,080, which will be used to make 26 mission via air ambulance and 29 in the charity's fleet of critical care cars possible.
The event, which took place on Friday, September 27, was held to celebrate the work of the charity's supporters, volunteers, fundraisers, and aircrew.
It was sponsored by Halesowen-based IT company EBC Group and hosted by Heart West Midlands' Ed James, who was joined by co-hosts BBC Radio 2's Richie Anderson, actress Annette Badland, and ITN broadcaster Nina Hossain.
As well as recognising individuals and organisations that have made a positive difference to the charity over the past year, the event also raised money for the charity's pre-hospital emergency service.
Emma Gray, chief operating officer at the charity, said: "As a pre-hospital emergency service founded within the communities we serve, we are extremely proud of all our deserving winners from this year’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball who have helped to raise awareness of our charitable status and funds to ensure we can operate and continue making missions possible.
"“We appreciate the support we receive from all our fundraisers, volunteers, donors and corporate partners across the counties we serve and would like to congratulate all our winners on the night.”
Awards included the CEO’s Award, which was given to Tom Budgett, a legal expert specialising in aviation who has provided nearly two years of legal expertise and contract development pro bono.
The Crew Award was given to Dr Mark Nash, the charity's medical director, for his leadership and work with the clinical team.
Kelly Plant Hire, which has generated a Gift in Kind value of £73,000 over the last four years, won the Corporate Partnership Award.
The Special Incident Award was given to Dr David Balthazor, and critical care paramedics Colin Shurrock-Apps, Grant Salsby, and Kerry Hemus for their teamwork and intervention in a complex road traffic collision that saved the life of a three-year-old girl, who had suffered a traumatic brain injury.
To learn more about the charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com.
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