News Stories for May 2013

New Trustees Appointed To MAAC

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) is responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances, today announces the appointment four new Trustees to the Board.

As an independent charity* the new Board of Trustees continues to bring a wealth of expertise and experience. Today’s announcement to recruit four new trustees who bring with them financial, business, and commercial and aviation acumen along with a drive and determination, further reinforces the Board’s commitment to the charity's long term sustainability.

The four new trustees are:

Tim Rice from Gloucestershire

Tim lives in Winchcombe in Gloucestershire and studied Mechanical Engineering at Coventry University. He subsequently went on to complete an MBA at the University of Warwick and is a chartered engineer, and a fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Tim has spent most of his career in the aerospace industry moving from stress engineer through to general management positions including  managing director of Vector Aerospace – a business maintaining the MoD’s helicopters. Previous positions include Managing Director/Head of Airbus at Messier Dowty, Managing Director of Messier Services UK, Executive Vice President of Spirent Systems, and Commercial and Product Support Manager at Dowty Aerospace Wolverhampton.

Following the successful career in industry, Tim now operates in non-executive/advisory roles, focusing on business strategy development, stakeholder engagement and partnership, and facilitating the development of high performing teams.

Tim is married with two children (aged 20 and 17) and has an active interest in rugby - he and his wife are season ticket holders at Gloucester Rugby Club. He also enjoys sub aqua diving, cooking and walking. Tim is currently vice chair and trustee of the Gloucestershire County Association for the Blind.

Tim said: “I am thrilled to take on the role of trustee for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, I strongly believe in investing in our society so I know I will find the position very rewarding. I hope that my aviation background and business experience will add value to the service, and believe this will also enable me to assist with the decisions we face.”

Ian Graves, from Claines near Worcester

Ian initially studied electrical engineering in Sheffield University and went on to study in Manchester, Warwick and London studying, management, leadership and development. Ian started his management career in the Worcestershire area, where he was responsible for the electrical distribution network in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. He held a number of senior posts in E.ON, before joining the Board of a Warwickshire-based business, Promanex (now a wholly owned part of Costain).

Ian currently holds the position of Power Sector Director for Costain, responsible for delivering engineering solutions and innovation for power and energy customers such as SSE, National Grid and UKPN.

Ian is an active sports supporter, following in particular, football (West Ham United season ticket holder), NFL (American Football) and Worcestershire county cricket.

Ian Graves said: “It’s a great honour to be a trustee for such an excellent charity. My family have always been terrific advocates for the cause and I personally wanted to take my support one step further by becoming a trustee. I look forward to supporting the dedicated staff and fundraisers, who work tirelessly to help save lives.”

Nicholas Whale from Walton

Living in Walton in Warwickshire, Nick has developed his career around the motor trade, working with BMW in the UK during the 1980s, Nick then became a director of Ryland Group in 1988. Having successfully steered the company through the recession he then oversaw the company floatation on the UK stock market in 1996. At the end 1998 he left the original family business in order to pursue a life-long ambition to start up on his own.

Nick Whale Toyota Ltd was established in March 1999 and went on to sell the group to Listers PLC.  In 2002 he opened a highly-successful Porsche business in Solihull and Nick Whale Sports Cars in Bromsgrove specialising in Lotus cars. Also in 2002, in partnership with 1996 Formula One World Champion Damon Hill, Nick opened a BMW / Mini business in Leamington Spa which was eventually sold to Rybrook Holdings Ltd 2008.

Nick has run successful UK franchises for a variety of UK manufactures including Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, BMW, Mini and Audi. Nick continues to own Nick Whale Sports Cars in Warwickshire, and started the very successful Silverstone Auctions in 2011, selling over 300 classic cars in 2012 and in the process raising over £90k for BBC Children in Need  at Chris Evans’ Carfest events.

Nick is married to Sally with five children and enjoys motor sport at all levels, competing at circuits both in the UK and Europe on a regular basis.

Nicholas Whale said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is such a worthwhile cause and I’m delighted to be named as a trustee. As I work in the motor trade, it’s an organisation very close to my heart as road traffic accidents make up approximately 50 per cent of the incidents the service attends.”

Robert Fulton from Stourbridge

Rob lives in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, was educated at Stockport Grammar School and studied law at the University of Sheffield and went on to complete his professional exams at Chester Law College.

Since 1990 Rob has developed extensive experience and knowledge of the aviation sector. Rob currently holds the position of Director European Legal Affairs at UTC Aerospace Systems, providing advice on general commercial and legal matters and most recently on the sale of UTC’s Power Systems business and supporting the sale of the 50 per share in the Engine Controls joint venture with Rolls-Royce plc. Rob is also a member of the Product Safety Review Board.

Other positions include; Chief European Counsel - Goodrich Corporation, chairman of the Goodrich UK Pension Scheme, solicitor at TRW Limited and in 1990 supported the divestment of the TRW Aeronautical Systems business to Goodrich. Between 1992 and 1996 he was a Solicitor for Lucas Aerospace Limited and acted on a number of acquisitions and divestments including the acquisition of the engine controls business of Dowty Engine Controls.

He has a keen Interest in golf, gardening, walking, reading, travelling with his wife and daughters and watching sport.

Rob Fulton said: “I am now at a point in my career where I feel I would like to give something back to society, which is why I decided to apply for the position of trustee. I have an extensive background in the aviation and legal sectors which I believe will stand me in good stead for making a worthy contribution to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.”

Brendan Connor, Chairman of MAAC, commented: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome the four new trustees onto the Board of MAAC. The trustees will introduce a huge amount of expertise and knowledge to the charity, particularly in areas that will aid our future success.

“I would also like to extend my thanks and very best wishes to our departing trustees, Anthony Arrowsmith, Tony Murrell and John Lancaster. As non executives of West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, they continued to support and advise Midlands Air Ambulance Charity when if first became an independent Charity in 2011.

They played an instrumental part in leading MAAC to independence, their experience and knowledge has been invaluable over the last 18 months, assisting, developing and strengthening the partnership between MAAC and WMAS.”

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* Following the move in October 2011 that saw MAAC undertake a transfer of all assets, liabilities and undertakings previously under the Trusteeship of the West Midlands Ambulance NHS Foundation Trust (WMAS), the last 18 months have seen a smooth transition into the new independent charity, whilst continuing to deliver a world class life saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to the people in the regions it serves.

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M6 Toll Drives Funds For MAAC

This year’s M6toll SuperCar Day attracted over 30 drivers to the prestigious event, held at the Roadchef Norton Canes services on Sunday 12^th May.

A number of impressive cars took part in the day, including Ferraris, Porches and Lamborghinis, and after being given the chance to view all the SuperCars on display, the owners took part in an organised drive out, travelling south to M6 J3 before returning to the motorway services.

The event was hosted by M6toll operators Midland Expressway Limited on behalf of SuperCar Driver to help raise awareness and funds for the organisation’s chosen charity, Midlands Air Ambulance. Thanks to those members who attended, over £600 was raised for the vital life saving service.

During the day, one of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s famous red helicopters was based at the Norton Canes services. The aircraft was operational throughout the event, giving visitors the chance to see the service in action. Its presence demonstrated the great need to raise funds for the charity, which flies an average of ten missions per day without any lottery or Government funding.

Central Motorway Police Group was also present to provide information and advice on speed awareness, reminding drivers that the M6toll is subject to normal motorway regulations.

Tom Fanning, CEO for Midland Expressway, said: ”As a business we are always willing to assist fellow organisation with fundraising events.  As a charity MAAC critically needs the support of businesses and I would urge other regional business leaders to assist too.”

Sarah Arnold, corporate fundraising manager for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity added: “We need to raise over £6 million each year just to remain operation, which is why the on-going commitment from Midland Expressway Limited is so greatly appreciated. We always look forward to the M6toll SuperCar Day, which grows in popularity year on year. All the SuperCars were very impressive and I’d like to thank their owners, Midlands Expressway Limited, Central Motorway Police Group and the team at Roadchef Norton Canes for all their support.”

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Fundraising Is Picture Perfect For Local Artist

Acclaimed Shrewsbury artist, David Walker, is planning to raise over £20,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity through the sale of his collection of prints especially commissioned for the service.

David has worked as an artist for nearly 30 years and during this time he has created a number of special prints, which he is starting to sell to help raise money for the vital life saving work of the Midlands Air Ambulance.

David comments: “It’s incredible that such a heavily relied upon public service is dependent on fundraising. As one of my son’s close friends has been airlifted twice by air ambulance, I wanted to do whatever I could to assist the charity. Among my passions I enjoy painting aircraft and therefore starting depicting the iconic red and yellow helicopter over key landmarks in the area, such as Ironbridge.”

In addition, David has produced a beautiful painting of the famous helicopter against a dusky sky.

Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for MAAC, states: “We rely solely on donations from the public to raise the £6 million each year to keep the service in the sky, so it’s wonderful to have such unique and long lasting support from people like David. His masterpieces have already brought a great deal of joy to those who have bought them, and we expect his paintings to continue to help raise a significant amount for our cause.”

David will be attending the Sleap Airfield Open Day on 18^th and 19^th May, where the paintings will be on display and available to purchase from just £45.

If you are interested in viewing David’s gallery of MAAC's paintings, visit his website at: www.david-walker.org.uk.

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Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Makes A Woolly Appeal!

Two sisters from Kingswinford have raised over £37,000 for MAAC by knitting and selling various items, and due to their great success they’re appealing for more yarn to help their woolly cause.

Yvonne Smart and Cathy Glear, along with over twenty volunteers, have been knitting crafts and baby clothes on behalf of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity for the last eight years. They sell their produce at a monthly stall at Russells Hall Hospital and because of the ongoing demand for their knitwear, they are making a plea to the public to donate any unwanted wool and craft items such a beads, buttons, broken jewellery and unwanted gifts.

Yvonne speaks on behalf of the siblings: “We are truly passionate about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and really enjoy knitting, so we thought selling our knitted goods was the perfect way to fundraise for the service. We must have used enough wool over the years to reach to the moon and back!

“So far, the public has been very generous in donating their unwanted wool, but our supplies are running out, which is why we’re making this appeal. If you can spare any wool or crafts, we’d be extremely grateful, as would our customers!”

If you would like to donate wool to the appeal or would like to find out more about other ways you can support the charity, get in touch to find out more. Call 0800 8 40 20 40.

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Charity Fun Night Raises £1,425

In loving memory of his son Lee, Kevin Bates organised a fabulous Charity Fun Night, with music and entertainment, including a raffle and auction. Proceeds were split between two charities, including MAAC. Thanks to a great turn out, Kevin and the team raised £1,425 for the service.

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MAAC Launches Education Centre With Andrew Ruhan and Mike Tindall!

A leading Midland’s businessman, Andy Ruhan, has pledged a five figure donation to MAAC to build an Education and Visitor Centre after the service’s helicopter emergency medical service saved his life after a horrific helicopter crash.

The donation from the Birmingham born entrepreneur, who is the Chairman of Bridgehouse Capital, has helped the charity to build an education facility at the Strensham airbase in Worcestershire, the first of its kind in the country. Amongst other things, it will help educate young children on the life saving work of the charity, the importance of staying safe and first aid. 

The facility will help visitors and school children learn more about the lifesaving work of the charity. It will have on display specialist equipment such as flight suits, helmets and vital medical equipment. It will also have various educational items and giant pictures on the wall of the helicopter and its equipment as well as a TV screen and computer, where videos and slides can be used as part of the educational experience.

Commenting on the official unveiling of the centre Mr Ruhan said: “I am hugely indebted to the amazing life saving work of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and its staff.  I owe my life to the incredible work of the air ambulance, the pilots and paramedics  who saved my life and airlifted me speedily to hospital before I had life saving surgery. Had it not been for the rapid response of the air ambulance and the lifesaving care I received at the scene of the crash I may well have not survived.”

He added: “We all take this wonderful life saving service for granted and it is only in our hour of need that we truly appreciate the amazing work of the air ambulance and their dedicated staff. The pilots, paramedics and doctors who work on this crucial life saving service are truly incredible people.” 

Commenting on the launch of the Education Centre unveiling Midland’s Air Ambulance Charity's CEO Hanna Sebright said: “We are truly grateful for the personal donation made by Andy Ruhan to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity which has funded our new Education Centre. This wonderful donation will help educate visitors and children to our Strensham airbase on the lifesaving work of the charity.  It is always humbling to hear how we have helped to make a difference to someone’s life. Andy’s story is a truly remarkable one of recovery and survival.”   

The Midlands Air Ambulance responds to around 3,000 emergency incidents per year.  In the last 12 months alone, the service attended 1,048 road traffic accidents on some of the most congested motorway networks in the country, responded to 175 industrial accidents, 432 sporting injuries, 158 equestrian accidents, completed 100 emergency hospital transfers and airlifted 188 children.

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Bilash Serves Up A Night Of Fundraising

Award winning and Michelin rated restaurant The Bilash in Wolverhampton hosted a fundraising evening on behalf of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and raised over £400 in the process.

Owner Mohammed Khan who organised the event with Sarah Arnold, corporate fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, was delighted to raise so much for the service through the dinner and charity raffle.

Mohammed comments: “I am an avid supporter of the charity and I’m glad everyone who came had such an enjoyable evening. I’d like to thank Tanners Wines who sponsored the drinks and to those who joined us on the night to help raise money for this fantastic cause.”

Sarah Arnold adds: “The Bilash is renowned for its fine cuisine and great atmosphere, so we were honoured to have a fundraising dinner at the restaurant. Thanks to everyone involved for such a fantastic event.”

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