Shropshire Star Excellence in Business Awards: Guests’ boost for charity fund

The life-saving organisation was the chosen charity at the glittering spectacle at RAF Museum Cosford this month, with fundraiser Roger Cole speaking to guests about the vital service the ambulance provides.

He explained how it had worked in difficult conditions in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to save his daughter Charlotte after a horse riding accident in 2011.

Guests were move by the story, and dug deep to raise the money for the charity. A cheque has now been handed over to the charity's Shropshire fundraising manager Maria Jones by Shropshire Star deputy editor Mark Drew.

Ms Jones said: "Fundraising is an essential part of our work, as every mission the ambulance undertakes costs £2,500, meaning we need to raise about £7 million a year.

"We are massively grateful to everybody who came to the awards and contributed to our cause. Their kindness will ultimately help fund a mission, and could help save a life."

Mr Drew added: "Nobody knows when they might need the air ambulance, and it plays a massive role in the safety of people in the region – and all the more so in a rural county like ours.

"The awards proved to be a spectacular event once again this year, and it's very rewarding to be able to use that opportunity to raise money for this most vital of charities."