A STAGGERING amount of money has been raised for Lye’s Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at its 25th anniversary awards and ball evening.

More than 60 lifesaving air ambulance missions can now be funded after £158,000 was raised at the AIR25 Celebration Party, Recognition Awards and Charity Ball on Friday (July 8).

Attended by supporters from across the Midlands, the evening which acknowledged and celebrated the people that have played a vital part in the charity’s 25 years of operation.

The spectacular evening featured a three course meal and award ceremony, before guests made their way to the celebration party to be entertained by a live band, stilt walkers, jugglers, an acrobatic display, a fire eater and an LED hula girl.

There were plenty of local award winners among those celebrated at the ceremony, including Brierley Hill based charity County Air Ambulance Trust, which took home the ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ for its funding of vitally important large scale projects which have helped Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to improve operational and clinical practises.

Ian Nicholls, of Quarry Bank, was the winner of the Long Service Award. Nick, as he is affectionately known to his friends, started out with just a desk, telephone, filing cabinet and began calling round, recruiting volunteers to give talks to help with funding.

Now 25 years on, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is one of the largest charities in the region and Nick’s contribution has been “greatly valued” by the cause.

Hanna Sebright, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Our annual Recognition Awards and Charity Ball is always a very special evening, but this year it surpassed our expectations.

“We are extremely grateful to all of the sponsors and supporters who helped to raise such a phenomenal amount of money for the charity.”

Also picking up a prize was Dudley based Concept Resourcing, which was presented with the Business Partnership Award for its “loyal support” of the charity.

The recruitment company was said to have gone “above and beyond” to raise more than £35,000, helping to fund 14 lifesaving missions.

Chris Short, managing director of Concept Resourcing, said: “It was a fantastic evening thoroughly enjoyed by all and we’re thrilled to have been part of such an important fundraiser for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.”

For more information about the charity, or to donate and help to fund a Midlands Air Ambulance Charity mission, visit www.midlandsairambulance.com