COUNCIL chiefs have gifted a commemorative bench to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to mark its 30th year in operation.
Outgoing Mayor or Worcester, Coun Jo Hodges, presented the bench on Monday (May 17) to flight doctors, Dr David Freeman and Dr Katie White and critical care paramedic, Ben Jones, who work on-board the lifesaving helicopters and critical care cars.
The bench has been located outside Guildhall and features a personalised plaque for locals to appreciate and reflect on the lifesaving work of the charity.
Dr David Freeman, who initiated talks with the Council about the bench, said: “I’m so pleased Midlands Air Ambulance Charity was able to be recognised for its lifesaving work in the city centre. After 30 years, the charity has saved countless lives across Worcestershire and the wider Midlands region, and I’m sure locals will enjoy having this bench in their area which honours the charity’s fantastic work.”
Coun Hodges said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides a crucial service in our area, saving many lives which would have been cruelly cut short without their rapid intervention. I know just how popular and appreciated this charity is, from talking to Worcester residents across the years. I am delighted to unveil a commemorative bench in this, my final week as Mayor of Worcester.”
Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “In the past year alone, 30 per cent of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s operations have been in Worcestershire, so we are delighted that Worcester City Council chose to mark our momentous occasion with this bench.
“As well as the air ambulance at our Strensham airbase, Worcester residents also benefit from one of our two critical care cars operating in their local area, responding to time-critical medical emergencies. As our charity receives no Government or NHS Charities Together funding, we could not continue to operate our service without the support of the public. This bench will mark Worcester locals’ support over the last 30 years, of which we are so grateful for.”
To find out more about the charity, visit midlandsairambulance.com and follow the service on social media.
