A group of dedicated community and corporate supporters from across the West Midlands have been officially recognised at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball 2022.
Now in its 10th year, the prestigious Recognition Awards and Charity Ball was hosted by ITN’s Nina Hossain and one of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s official ambassadors and BBC Radio 2 presenter, Richie Anderson.
The event celebrated the incredible lifesaving work of the charity’s aircrew, the generous support of its volunteers, fundraisers, and corporate partners who have gone above and beyond for the charity since its last awards, in 2019. This year’s event also recognised those who have continually supported the charity during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. The evening also reflected the inspirational stories of some of the pre-hospital service’s former patients. his year’s winners that were recognised from across the West Midlands include:
Community Outstanding Contribution Award – Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple
In 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sri Dasmesh Sikh Temple based in Lozells, Birmingham, donated funds to several local charities in need. After Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s helicopter landed nearby and committee member, Rajinder Beghal learnt that the pre-hospital service receives no Government funding for its daily missions, the Temple’s committee then decided to raise more funds for charity. In excess of £59,000 was raised with £21,000 donated to MAAC – funding 17 lifesaving missions.
Star Award – Phoenix Group
Phoenix Group, based in Wythall, supported Midlands Air Ambulance Charity throughout a six-year partnership. The partnership was officially due to end, just as the Covid-19 pandemic took grip. Despite this, Phoenix Group continued to support the charity during a time when workplace fundraising was near impossible, with an additional donation of £50,000 funding 35 lifesaving missions.
Richie Anderson, TV and radio personality and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity ambassador, said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is a cause close to my heart as a good friend was airlifted as a child. It is a service any one of us could rely on one day. I was honoured to co-host this year’s Recognition Awards and Charity Ball with Nina Hossain, and to have raised such an incredible amount on the night means that future lifesaving missions are possible thanks to everyone who attended.”
Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, added: “We are fortunate to receive support from the communities we serve across the West Midlands. They’re all deserving winners and it has been a pleasure to recognise them and show just how grateful we are for their dedication and determination in raising the profile of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity across the region.”
The Recognition Awards and Ball 2022, sponsored by Baylis and Harding, took place on Friday 17th June at the Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
To find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, visit their website and to see updates from the charity ball, search and follow the charity on social media.