THROUGHOUT the last 12 months Lye-based Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has celebrated the 25th anniversary of its lifesaving work.

Under the banner of ‘Air25’, the anniversary year became the Dudley Road organisation’s most publicly supported to date.

A host of commemorative events were held by the charity in 2016, including a birthday garden party at Hagley Hall with HRH The Countess of Wessex in attendance.

More than 42,000 people attended the charity’s events, generating £250,000 which will help fund 100 air ambulance missions across the six counties covered by the charity.

In addition to the events, a public appeal for former aircrew, patients and volunteers proved to be a success, with several previous members of the team who worked on the original ‘Air5’ air ambulance getting in touch to recount their historic stories.

Hanna Sebright, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Air25 was an extremely significant year for our organisation, enabling us to highlight 25 years of air ambulance operations across the Midlands and the impact the charity has made on so many lives.

“We can’t thank the public enough for their generous on-going support, and to our Air25 corporate partner, Midland Expressway, for their unfaltering commitment which has enabled us to create such a memorable year.”

James Hodson, director of motorway operations and facilities at Midland Expressway, operators of the M6toll, added: “Our support for the vital work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity goes back over a decade now and we are proud to have raised over £250,000 in that time.

“Air25 year was a great success but also a timely reminder of the on-going fundraising the charity needs every year. During that time, we have built friendships with many of the remarkable people whose daily lives are devoted to saving others.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship with them.”

During Air25, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity tended to over 2,000 people in their greatest hour of need and each mission costs the charity £2,500.

To find out how to help fund a lifesaving mission visit www.midlandsairambulance.com or call 0800 840 2040.