Dozens of rescue missions funded by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity ball
More than 40 life-saving helicopter missions will be funded after the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity's most successful ball yet.
The Recognition Awards and Charity Ball raised £105,011, a record-breaking sum collected thanks to the generosity of the 500 guests who attended the black tie event, which was sponsored by corporate partners.
It was also a celebration and recognised the hard work and dedication of those who have gone above and beyond to support the charity, including Winifred Cumiskey, from Wombourne Funeral Services, who received the Fundraiser of the Year Award.
The award recognised the dedication and commitment shown from all at Wombourne Funeral Services, who have raised more than £25,000 for the charity over the years.
Adam Williams, the charity's fundraising manager, said: "We are blessed to have such tremendous support from Winifred and the entire Wombourne Funeral Services team, and the award in which Winifred received was truly deserved.
"Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receive no Government or National Lottery funding so can only continue to save lives through our helicopter operations due to fundraising efforts like theirs."
The glittering evening was attended by a host of famous faces, including rugby star Thinus Delport MBE, boxer Joe Egan, Paralympic athlete Mickey Bushell MBE and Rustie Lee.
Starting with a drinks reception and the arrival of one of the charity's red helicopters, which landed on Edgbaston Stadium's famous pitch, a four course dinner followed as well as a live auction, entertainment, casino and after show party.
Hanna Sebright, the charity's chief executive, said: "Our Recognition Awards and Charity Ball is always a truly inspiring evening as we thank some very special people for their incredible commitment to our charity.
"Not only did the night bring tears and laughter, but we also raised our largest ever total, for which we are extremely grateful. As each air ambulance mission costs the charity £2,500, the £105,011 raised will fund 42 additional life saving missions flown by our aircrew – it doesn't get much better than that."
Other awards presented were: Volunteer of the Year, Gina Constable of Shrewsbury; Sky Champ, Ben Lovegrove of Worcestershire;
Extreme Fundraiser of the Year, Hannah Palmer of Hereford; Business Partnership of the Year, The Phoenix Group of Wythall; Medic of the Year, Tom Waters of Solihull; Bravery Award, Georgia Bennett of Worcestershire; Special Recognition Award, Roger and Diane Cole of Droitwich.
