Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has gone the extra mile at this year’s Birmingham Running Festival.
Alongside its role as the festival’s charity partner, eight members of staff laced up their running shoes for the challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s lifesaving pre-hospital services across the Midlands.
The event, which featured a 5k, 10k, and half marathon, took place on Sunday 19th July 2026 and saw participants enjoy the beautiful scenic routes of Birmingham’s Sutton Park.
Among the charity’s participants was HEMS doctor Iwan Davies, who finished fifth out of 469 runners in the 10k race. He was joined by critical care paramedic Fay Pollock, who has worked for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity since 2012, and Dr Amol Jain, of Denbeigh Dental Clinic in Erdington, Birmingham, who took on the 10k challenge to raise funds for the charity and has already raised an incredible £1,730.
Fay said: “Events like this are a fantastic opportunity for our supporters, staff, and local communities to come together while helping keep our lifesaving service operational. We’re incredibly grateful for everyone who supported us, including those who donated to our team fundraising page and Amol for raising so much for us
“Every donation helps us continue delivering critical care to patients across the region, and we simply could not do what we do without the generosity of the communities we serve.”
The Birmingham Running Festival is another great example of how communities can come together to support organisations such as Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and raise awareness of the critical work it carries out across the region.
The charity receives no government funding and therefore relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to keep its helicopters and critical care cars operational, enabling its crew to deliver lifesaving care when it’s needed most.
Dr Amol Jain said: “Taking part in the Birmingham Running Festival was such a great experience, and it was a real privilege to run alongside Fay and the team behind Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Seeing the passion and dedication they have for what they do made the whole thing even more special.
“Thank you to everyone who supported my fundraising and helped me raise more than my original target. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity provides such an important service, and you never know when you, your family or someone you know might need it.”
The team’s fundraising is still open, and supporters can make an even bigger difference by donating to their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/team/maacbrf
Supporters looking to take on a running challenge for the charity can apply for one of a limited number of free charity places by pledging to raise a minimum of £150.To learn more about how you can run in support of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving work, visit www.midlandsairambulance.com/events.
