Midlands Air Ambulance Charity recognises West Midlands heroes at 35th Anniversary Saving Lives Charity Ball

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity marked its milestone 35th anniversary 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 generated a record £88,901.60, with T H Baker donating £4,935.60 from jewellery sales made during the evening.

The donations will help to fund approximately 58 lifesaving missions across the Midlands. 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 West Midlands Award Winners Community Fundraiser Award: 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

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.

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.

35 Year 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 MAAC through its Drive for Charity programme. The organisation funds first aid training equipment, supports MAAC’s First on Scene courses, and encourages staff involvement through volunteering initiatives. Their dynamic approach and year‑on‑year commitment continue to strengthen MAAC’s education, safety and community engagement work.

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 MAAC’s surgical skills training, ensuring future patients benefit from this lifesaving intervention.

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 West Midlands winners embody the dedication that keeps our service flying, and we’re proud to recognise their contribution.

“Across the Midlands, our winners represent the very best of our communities - from young fundraisers to committed volunteers, exceptional clinicians and longstanding corporate partners. The generosity shown throughout the evening will directly support our lifesaving missions, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us, donated and helped make the night such a success.”

Learn more about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity by visiting midlandsairambulance.com and following the organisation on social media.