Commemorative Bench Gifted To Lifesaving Charity

Worcester City Council has kindly gifted a commemorative bench to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to mark its 30^th year in operation.

The Mayor or Worcester, Councillor Jo Hodges, presented the bench on Monday 17^th May 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.

(L-R: Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s crew - Dr Dave Freeman, Dr Katie White and critical care paramedic, Ben Jones, with The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Jo Hodges.)

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.”

Cllr Jo Hodges, Mayor of Worcester 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 the website and follow the service on social media.