Midlands Air Ambulance Charity Team Member Takes on 2,000 Length Swim Challenge in Memory of Loved One

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating the dedication of one of its own team members, Paul Watkiss, who is taking on an incredible personal fundraising challenge this June.

Paul, from Newport, Shropshire, works as a cleaner for the charity, playing a valued behind-the-scenes role in supporting the lifesaving service and maintaining facilities to the highest standards for the clinical and fundraising teams.

Now he is aiming to swim 2,000 lengths across the month of June at his local pool. The challenge is being completed in memory of his brother‑in‑law, Graham ‘Billy’ Edwards, who Midlands Air Ambulance Charity was called to assist last November.

To support his efforts, Newport Leisure Centre has kindly provided Paul with free membership for the duration of his challenge.

Including funds already raised through a previous climb of Snowdon, Paul is aiming to reach a total of £2,950 - the average cost of an air ambulance mission.

Paul said: “This challenge is incredibly personal to me and I wanted to do something meaningful in memory of my brother-in-law while also giving back to a charity that I’m proud to be part of. Graham and I used to swim together, so this feels especially fitting.

“I see first-hand the dedication of the team and the difference they make every day, so I’m determined to push myself and raise as much as I can to support their lifesaving work.”

Carl Williams, community fundraising lead for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, added: “We are so grateful to Paul for taking on such an inspiring challenge. His commitment to the charity shines through not only in his day-to-day role but also in his willingness to go above and beyond to support our fundraising efforts. Every donation raised will help us continue to provide advanced pre-hospital care to those in critical need across our region.”

This year marks 35 years of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s lifesaving service. Since being founded in May 1991, the charity has responded to more than 80,000 missions to bringing advanced pre-hospital clinical care directly to the incident scene giving patients the best chance of survival and recovery.  

Generous support from fundraisers like Paul ensures the charity can continue delivering its lifesaving service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

To donate to Paul’s fundraising swim, visit justgiving.com/page/paul-watkiss-swim-2000