I first came to appreciate the role of the air ambulance service back in 2007 when my 16-year-old son was injured on Dartmoor during his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition. He was airlifted to Exeter Hospital by the Devon Air Ambulance with severe knee injuries. I fundraised for them for many years in grateful thanks for their kindness and assistance as well as having a monthly direct debit for lottery tickets.

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I have always been interested in helicopters and was fortunate to be based with helicopter squadrons when I was in the RAF Reserves.

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When I moved to Herefordshire in 2014, I changed my allegiance to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. I was especially aware of the plight of farmers and the need for urgent assistance in rural areas.

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For many years now, I have selected a charity to fundraise for each year - and would do a 800-mile virtual fundraising End-to-End walk each year. 2020 was earmarked for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Unfortunately, as we know, 2020 was the Covid lockdown year. I had hoped to take part in their event walking the Birmingham canals in two days for the charity’s 30th birthday, which was the exact same day as my 60th birthday (21st May), but it was unfortunately cancelled. But I did do my 800-mile virtual walk.

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However, I was voted Herefordshire Fundraiser of the Year. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Fundraising Gala to collect my award, but was fortunate enough to be invited (along with my 90-year-old mother) to visit the airbase  Strensham to meet the crew, see the helicopter leave on a mission, practise my CPR in the virtual room, and collect my award.