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 Gloucestershire Award Winners
Charity Volunteer Award:
Awarded to an everyday hero, a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and dedication to the charity. Sponsored by: Rathbones
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.
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 Gloucestershire 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.
