AN air ambulance charity, which covers Gloucestershire, held an official 25th anniversary garden party on Friday (May 20), attended by HRH Sophie, The Countess of Wessex.

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s (MAAC) ‘Air25’ garden party, held at Hagley Hall in Worcestershire where the charity officially launched in 1991, was both a celebration of the last 25 years of the lifesaving work of the air ambulance charity and a thank you to the people who have made a significant difference to the organisation.

The Countess graciously accepted the invitation to the event, sponsored by Pertemps and hosted by broadcaster Michelle Collie, after learning of the MAAC’s vitally important work in the region, and upon learning that the organisation has undertaken over 46,000 missions since its conception as ‘Air5 in 1991.

HRH, a strong advocate of the lifesaving work of the air ambulance, unveiled a commemorative sundial, before revealing, during a short speech, that she had herself been airlifted by an air ambulance.

The charity’s ambassadors: Rio 2016 Paralympian’s Lee Pearson CBE and Ryan Cockbill, Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis and England Rugby World Cup winner Neil Back MBE were amongst 350 invited guests which also included volunteers, fundraisers, aircrew, charity staff and trustees, local dignitaries, MPs, and representatives from West Midlands Ambulance Service, Airbus Helicopters and Babcock Mission Critical Services.

Guests were treated to a quintessential English afternoon tea and given the chance to see the organisation’s three air ambulance helicopters which flew in especially to mark the occasion, view various pieces of charity memorabilia and watch a short film on the charity’s 25 year history.

Brendan Connor, chairman for the MAAC, said: “25 years ago a revolutionary air ambulance charity was founded in the Midlands – only the second of its kind in the country.

“In the last 25 years without the support of the communities we serve, we simply could not have raised the ever-increasing operational costs to fund our vitally important work, and despite the challenging economy, they have never wavered in their support for MAAC.

“We were delighted to welcome HRH to our official anniversary. Our garden party was a celebration of all that effort and service, and in particular, a recognition of those who have made the last 25 years possible.”

Visit midlandsairambulance.com for more information.