MIDLANDS Air Ambulance Charity has announced that Sophie, Countess of Wessex will attend its 25th anniversary garden party at Hagley Hall this week.

The Lye-based charity will be graced by her royal highness at their AIR 25 event this Friday (May 20).

An invitation to the private event was accepted by the countess after hearing about the charity’s important work across the region over the last 25 years.

During the party, her royal highness will be greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire, Lt Col Patrick Holcroft, before meeting guests who have made a significant difference to the charity including former patients, volunteers, fundraisers, aircrew, charity staff, trustees and corporate partners.

A commemorative memento to honour the 25 years of service by the charity will be made by the countess, marking the spot that the first ambulance helicopter – AIR 5 – was launched from Hagley Hall in 1991.

Hanna Sebright, charity chief executive, said: “We are truly honoured and delighted that her royal highness The Countess of Wessex has graciously accepted our invitation to attend the 25th anniversary Air25 Garden Party at Hagley Hall.

“Her presence will be an important and great privilege to the former patients, staff, fundraisers, volunteers and aircrew that have enabled us to provide vital lifesaving emergency medical care to the people and counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands for the last 25 years.

“This year will be a landmark in our service having provided lifesaving emergency medical care for over 46,000 former patients.

“The presence of The Countess of Wessex to mark such an occasion is a fitting tribute to the work of the charity.”

For more information about the Dudley Road-based charity call 0800 840 2040, or visit www.midlandsairambulance.com