AVID supporters of Midlands Air Ambulance intend to give the life-saving charity a real lift-off by staging a ball later this year.

The Barmy Ball will be attempting to raise a huge amount of funds for the Lye-based charity when it takes place in November at the Copthorne Hotel in Merry Hill.

Last year's event raised £14,000 and organisers are eager to beat that total this time.

Snooker legend and commentator Willie Thorne, a long-time supporter of Midlands Air Ambulance, has already agreed to host the black tie event.

Martin Whelan, who is one of the driving forces behind the Barmy Ball, said: “Last year, the evening was such a success that it made sense to come back this year with a bigger and better event.

“Already tickets are selling fast, which is why we have decided to launch the event now.”

Martin first got involved with his fund raising back in 2016 when he cycled from Stourbridge to Barmouth with friends.

They raised £7,000 on that occasion which they split between the Air Ambulance and MacMillan.

Since then, Martin has helped to stage various fund raising events while his Barmy team of supporters has extended beyond cyclists to include runners and walkers as well.

Martin added: “It's just grown. I've even walked up Snowdon carrying a giant teddy bear on my back. When I started that event, the teddy bear weighed between 10 to 12 kilos.

“There was steady rain throughout and by the end, the teddy bear must have weighed nearly 20 kilos.”

Martin is currently on the lookout for auction and raffle prizes, and if anyone would like to help with sponsorship, they can contact him by searching ‘The Barmy Team’ on Facebook.

Adam Williams, corporate development executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s fantastic this brilliant event is taking place for a second time.

“The charity is so grateful for events like these. Each year we have to raise over £9 million to keep the charity running.”

The Barmy Ball has also been backed by Stourbridge MP Margot James who added: “Each mission costs on average £2,500, so an event as big as this will definitely help.”