HER ROYAL Highness the Countess of Wessex was given a special welcome last Friday when she attended the Midlands Air Ambulance’s 25th anniversary garden party at Hagley Hall.
Sponsored by the charity’s corporate partner Pertemps and hosted by radio and TV broadcaster Michael Collie, the event was a celebration of the charity’s life-saving work. It was also a thank you to the people who made a significant difference to the organisation.
The Countess of Wessex accepted the invitation after learning of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s vitally important work in the region and upon learning the organisation had undertaken over 46,000 missions since its conception as ‘Air5 in 1991. During her speech at the event the Countess attested to the work of the charity revealing she had herself been airlifted by an air ambulance and understood first hand the valuable work of the service.
There were 350 invited guests including volunteers, fund-raisers, aircrew, charity staff, trustees, local dignitaries, MPs, and representatives from West Midlands Ambulance Service, Airbus Helicopters and Babcock Mission Critical Services.
Also present were the charity’s ambassadors – Rio 2016 Paralympians Lee Pearson CBE and Ryan Cockbill, the actor John Challis and England Rugby World Cup winner Neil Back MBE.
Brendan Connor, Chairman for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Twenty-five years ago a revolutionary air ambulance charity was founded in the Midlands – only the second of its kind in the country.
“Without the support of the communities we serve, we simply could not have raised the ever increasing operational costs to fund our vitally important work.
“We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to our official anniversary.
“Our Garden Party was a celebration of all that effort and service, and in particular, a recognition of those who have made the last 25 years possible,” he added.
