MP views new helicopter
An MP was invited to see the latest addition to the Midlands Air Ambulance helicopter fleet after helping to secure vital funding for it.
Mark Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, was taken on a tour of the air ambulance base at RAF Cosford to see the new £7 million helicopter.
Helen Stevens, of the Midlands Air Ambulance charity, said Mr Pritchard had played an important role in securing £1 million from the Libor Charity Funding Scheme.
The scheme, set up by former chancellor George Osborne, distributes money generated from banking fines to good causes.
Mrs Stevens said all five of Shropshire's MPs – Mr Pritchard, Lucy Allan, Owen Paterson, Philip Dunne and Daniel Kawczynski had written letters asking for the charity to receive help from the fund.
"Mark has been so supportive to us over the past few years we invited him to see the helicopter by the way as a thank you," she said.
Mrs Stevens said the helicopter had taken dozens of Shropshire patients to hospital since its arrival in February, including 10 in Mr Pritchard's constituency which includes Cosford.
"We don't get any funding from government, but the support we get from our MPs is vital to what we do."
Mr Pritchard said he was delighted to see the Airbus helicopter in action.
He added: "The air ambulance crew and support staff do a wonderful job every day of every week, saving lives and rescuing the injured.
"I hope the whole of Shropshire will continue to support their vital lifesaving work."
