THE Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is celebrating 35 years of providing vital pre-hospital emergency care across the region by marking the milestone anniversary last week.

Since its first mission in 1991, the charity has grown into one of the UK’s busiest and most advanced air ambulance services, responding to more than 80,000 missions and delivering lifesaving treatment to patients when every second counts.

The organisation has continued to evolve its clinical capabilities over the past five years with the introduction of a new helicopter and 24-hour operations.

The charity, which does not receive any financial support from the Government, relies on donations and sales at its shops, including the store in Gloucester Road in Ross-on-Wye.

As part of the celebrations, the charity is encouraging people to show their support in ways that are meaningful to them – by fundraising and taking on personal challenges.

Emma Gray, chief operating officer for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said:“We are incredibly proud of how far the charity has come and the tens of thousands of patients we have been able to help.

“None of this would be possible without the unwavering generosity of our supporters. Quite simply, they are the reason we can continue to respond to those in critical need, 24 hours a day, all year round.

“While this anniversary is a time to reflect on our achievements, it is also a time to look ahead. As we receive no government funding for our daily operations, we are asking our communities to get involved, show their support and help us continue this vital work for the next 35 years and beyond.”

Each mission undertaken by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is delivered by a highly skilled team of advanced pre-hospital emergency medicine doctors and critical care paramedics, equipped with specialist equipment to provide rapid, lifesaving treatment at the scene.