GUESTS of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball raised an astonishing £142,000 for the charity, spurred on by hosts superstar Jason Donovan and ITV News presenter Nina Hossain.
The event, which took place at the Vox Conference Centre in Resorts World Birmingham, saw nearly 500 guests dig deep to help fund 57 future lifesaving air ambulance missions.
Supported by event partners T.H. Baker jewellers, nine awards were presented to loyal fundraisers, inspirational former patients and lifesaving aircrew.
Charity ambassador and Paralympic gold medallist Sir Lee Pearson CBE, was acknowledged with a Special Recognition Award for his ongoing support of the charity’s work.
Former patient Natalie Queiroz was also acknowledged for her bravery and inspirational fundraising efforts after being airlifted in 2016. A short film about her story and recovery was played to the audience and she was given a standing ovation upon accepting her award.
Hanna Sebright, chief executive of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, explains: “It was a sensational evening and we are so grateful to the event sponsors and everyone who attended for helping us to raise these vital funds.
“It was truly heart-warming to see so many people come together and celebrate the charity’s loyal supporters, staff and aircrew.”
Phil Higgs, managing director of TH Baker added: “The whole evening from the awards to the live entertainment was magnificent and we are incredibly proud to have played such a big part in it.”
Guests were greeted by swing band ‘The Rat Pack Boys’ and entertained at the after party by live band, ‘Jumpin’.
A host of celebrity supporters also made an appearance including Lynne and Peter Gilbey from Channel 4’s Googlebox, former British equestrian Nick Skelton CBE and Emmerdale actors Joe Gill and Anthony Quinlan.
To find out more about how you can help to support Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com
