Midlands Air Ambulance Charity marked its milestone 35th anniversary year with an evening of celebration, recognition and fundraising at its annual Saving Lives Charity Ball, held on Friday 25th September 2026 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
Hosted by broadcaster and Deputy Lieutenant Ed James, and supported by headline sponsor EBC Group, the black‑tie event brought together supporters, fundraisers, volunteers, corporate partners and friends of the charity.
The evening also welcomed celebrity supporters, Annette Badland, Paul Chuckle MBE, Kash “The Flash” Gill, Dave Heeley OBE, Mark Hayes and Steve Harris MBE, who joined guests in celebrating this year’s winners and helping raise vital funds for the charity’s lifesaving missions.
The event raised a record £88,901.60, with T H Baker donating £4,935.60 from jewellery sales made during the evening. The total raised will help fund approximately 58 lifesaving missions across the Midlands, including 27 by air ambulance and 31 via the organisation’s critical care cars.
Guests enjoyed a drinks reception, three‑course dinner, awards presentation, live entertainment and a variety of fundraising activities, all designed to recognise the people and organisations who make the charity’s work possible.
Saving Lives Charity Ball 2026 Award Winners
Young Hero Award:
Awarded to a young supporter who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the charity. Sponsored by: Fusion Communications
Winners: George and Alfie Andrews, Bewdley, Worcestershire
Inspired by the charity’s lifesaving intervention after their grandfather’s motorcycle crash, George (10) and Alfie (8) were inspired to support the charity after the critical care crew saved their grandfather’s life. Together they have taken on creative fundraising challenges, including George’s goal to raise £3,000 and beat his Rubik’s Cube record. Their enthusiasm and compassion have made a remarkable impact.
Charity Volunteer Award:
Awarded to an everyday hero, a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and dedication to the charity. Sponsored by: Rathbones
Highly Commended: Jodie Munn, Walsall, West Midlands
Jodie started volunteering with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in July 2024 and has supported community activities, charity managed events and at the charity headquarters with reception and supporter care duties. Jodie quietly gets on with any task she is given and is always more than happy and willing to help. Recently, Jodie has now become a permanent member of staff within the Support Care team.
Winner: Kim Fong, Quedgeley, Gloucestershire
Kim has strengthened the charity’s engagement with local Chinese communities by translating key awareness materials into Mandarin and other Chinese languages. Her inclusive approach has broken down barriers and ensured lifesaving information reaches audiences who previously faced challenges accessing it.
Awarded to an everyday hero, a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and dedication to the charity within the charity shops. Sponsored by: Astute
Winner: Tamzin Worthen, Stoke‑on‑Trent
Since joining the Stoke charity shop in 2025, Tamzin has flourished from a shy and reserved volunteer, into a confident, skilled and dependable member of the team. Now proudly serving as lead volunteer, Tamzin supports customers, assists fellow volunteers and contributes to daily operations, embodying the spirit of dedication and teamwork.
Corporate Partner Award:
Awarded to an organisation and its employees who have demonstrated hard work, initiative, and commitment through their CSR policy to raise awareness of and vital donations for the charity. Sponsored by: Airbus
Winner: ISO Quality Services Ltd, Worcester
ISO Quality Services Ltd has supported Midlands Air Ambulance Charity since 2015, driven by a family connection to air ambulance services. Over the past year, the organisation has expanded its fundraising efforts, including its ‘Love Local’ business conference and its long‑running annual golf day, which raised £6,800 in 2025. ISO has contributed over £41,891 since 2015 and continues to champion the charity through events, advocacy and volunteering.
Awarded to an individual, group or society that has demonstrated significant support and commitment to raising lifesaving funds. Sponsored by: Pallet‑Track
Highly Commended: Beverley Davies, Willenhall, West Midlands
Beverley Davies began supporting the charity in April 2025 after losing a friend, who the crews attended but were unable to save. Over the past year Beverley has run many events including psychic nights, fashion shows, craft events and parties, with more planned through 2026 and into 2027. She also runs stalls, secures event support, delivers regular donations, and has recruited four new volunteers, raising vital funds and awareness.
Highly Commended: Anne‑Marie Eden, Solihull, West Midlands
Anne Marie Eden has been an outstanding Business Ambassador for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity over the years, using her network to broker valuable introductions and leading the organisation and sales of the annual Business Ambassadors Quiz. Her efforts have helped build long term partnerships and raise in excess of £65,000. Her commitment to the charity’s lifesaving work and her influence across the West Midlands have been instrumental in securing relationships that simply wouldn’t exist without her.
Winner: Tracey Redmond, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
Tracey has raised more than £10,000 in memory of her son Keaton Lacey, who tragically passed away in January 2025. Keaton had previously fundraised for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity after the service attended to his brother Callum. Tracey’s ongoing efforts – including a duck race, celebration of life event, Screamfest fundraising and rallying corporate support — continue to make a meaningful impact.
Special Incident Award:
Awarded to a specific clinical and operational team who demonstrated exceptional skills and teamwork on a particularly challenging mission. Sponsored by: EBC Group
Winners: Dr Oliver Bevan, critical care paramedics Kerry Hemus and Stephen Mason and Captain Ian Cameron
The crew were recognised for their exceptional teamwork and clinical expertise during a complex mission involving patient Jenni Cross, who sustained severe facial injuries and developed orbital compartment syndrome — a condition that can cause permanent blindness if not treated rapidly. The team performed a lateral canthotomy onboard the aircraft, relieving pressure behind the eye and preventing permanent vision loss. Their actions have since informed updates to the charity’s surgical skills training, ensuring future patients benefit from this lifesaving intervention.
35 Year Anniversary Beacon Award:
Awarded to a longstanding partner whose sustained commitment and support have played a significant role in helping Midlands Air Ambulance Charity reach its 35 year milestone. Sponsored by: Babcock
Highly Commended: Amanda Amass of Barratt Homes, (West Midlands Division) based in Halesowen
Amanda has been instrumental in driving Barratt Homes’ support for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity since 2019. Her enthusiasm and leadership have helped the partnership raise over £375,000, with a further two‑year commitment secured.
Winner: M6toll
A longstanding partner for more than 20 years, M6toll has donated over £500,000 and supported Midlands Air Ambulance Charity through its Drive for Charity programme. The organisation funds first aid training equipment, supports the charity’s First on Scene courses, and encourages staff involvement through volunteering initiatives. Their dynamic approach and year‑on‑year commitment continue to strengthen the charity’s education, safety and community engagement work.
Emma Wood, head of fundraising and engagement at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “This year’s Saving Lives Charity Ball was a powerful celebration of courage, compassion and community spirit. Our winners represent the very best of the Midlands, from young fundraisers to dedicated volunteers, exceptional clinicians and longstanding corporate partners.
The generosity shown throughout the evening will directly support our lifesaving missions, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us, donated and helped make the night such a success.”
