A GROUP of dedicated community and corporate supporters from across the West Midlands have been officially recognised at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball 2022.
Now in its 10th year, the prestigious Recognition Awards and Charity Ball was hosted by ITN’s Nina Hossain and one of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s official ambassadors and BBC Radio 2 presenter, Richie Anderson.
The event celebrated the incredible lifesaving work of the charity’s aircrew, the generous support of its volunteers, fundraisers, and corporate partners who have gone above and beyond for the charity since its last awards, in 2019.
Following the award presentation and a live auction, the evening raised £88,200 for the charity.
Steve Benton, from Solihull, won community fundraiser of the year award for the West Midlands.
Since 2018 he has organised golf days in aid of the charity and has raised in excess of £20,000 funding 14 lifesaving missions.
Phoenix Group, based in Wythall, supported Midlands Air Ambulance Charity throughout a six-year partnership.
The partnership was officially due to end just as the Covid-19 pandemic took grip. Despite this, Phoenix Group continued to support the charity during a time when workplace fundraising was near impossible, with an additional donation of £50,000 funding 35 lifesaving missions.
Richie Anderson, TV and radio personality and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity ambassador, said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is a cause close to my heart as a good friend was airlifted as a child.
“It is a service any one of us could rely on one day. I was honoured to co-host this year’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball with Nina Hossain, and to have raised such an incredible amount on the night means that future lifesaving missions are possible thanks to everyone who attended.”
Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, added: “We are fortunate to receive support from the communities we serve across the West Midlands.
“They’re all deserving winners and it has been a pleasure to recognise them and show just how grateful we are for their dedication and determination in raising the profile of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity across the region.”
Visit midlandsairambulance.com for more information.
