Stars at RAF Cosford for launch of new Midlands Air Ambulance helicopter
Sports and entertainment stars were on hand to help to launch the Midlands Air Ambulance charity's brand new helicopter today.
Eleven-times paralympic gold medallist Lee Pearson, England rugby legend Neil Back and Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, officially launched the new H145 upgraded helicopter at RAF Cosford.
The new helicopter has been funded from public donations plus a £1 million grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
John Challis said: “It is a great privilege to be here today. The work they do - they are very brave people and very dedicated people at the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.”
Lee Pearson CBE said: “It is a massive honour to be an ambassador for this amazing charity. A lot of sport accidents take place in the middle of nowhere - equestrian riders have used the charity, myself included. This new piece of kit will help by saving many lives.”
Neil Back added: “It is incredible what this charity provide. What this helicopter provides is speed and time and that is crucial for the difference between life and death. I feel very honoured and privileged to be an ambassador.”
The air ambulance charity - which serves Shropshire, Staffordshire, the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire - has undertaken more than 49,000 missions since it was set up in 1991.
It has to raise more than £9 million each year to keep its three helicopters airborne.
