Air ambulance supporters urged to go red

Midlands Air Ambulance is urging firms to go red on Friday, in order to mark the charity's 30th anniversary.

To help fund future lifesaving missions in the area, the charity is asking everyone who chooses to Go Red, either by wearing red, lighting up buildings in red or hosting a red-themed fundraiser, to donate by texting MissionPossible (as one word) and the amount of their choice to 70085.

The initiative is part of anniversary celebrations, to mark 30 years since the charity was formed by a handful of people on 21 May 1991.

Midlands Air Ambulance was originally named 'Air 5 ', and operated out of Hagley Hall, Worcestershire.

The air ambulance service was one of the first of its kind in the UK. It was operational five days a week and attended its first successful mission, six days after its launch on 27 May 1991.

A female patient had suffered a mountainside fall in Hay-on-Wye, Powys and needed pre-hospital emergency care. The newly established flight crew attended the scene, stabilised the patient before airlifting her to Herefordshire Hospital in just six minutes.

Now, 30 years on, Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (as 'Air 5 ' is now known), has attended more than 63,000 missions and has a fleet of three helicopters and two critical care cars serving a population of over six million.

Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity said: “2021 continues to be an important milestone year for the charity, despite the past 12 months being exceptionally challenging due to the demand for our service and significant reduction in fundraising. We are determined to commemorate our Air30 year with the communities we serve and thank them for their unfaltering support, past, present and in the future.

“We would love our loyal supports to Go Red on 21 May, donate what they can and share their support on social media in recognition of the last 30 years of advanced lifesaving care across the Midlands. ”

Find out more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity 's Go Red: midlandsairambulance.com/air30 and follow the service on social media for birthday updates.