Ashby's Martin Cooper has raised nearly £25,000 for Your Local Air Ambulance and has been given the rare opportunity to visit the Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance base at Coventry Airport. 

Martin started his visit by meeting the pilot of Helimed 53, Ian, and Critical Care Paramedics Kelly and Pip. 

Inside the Helimed 53 (Photo: Martin Cooper)

According to Martin, 'they provided an invaluable insight into where monies donated are spent for the lifesaving service the charity provides. Over the course of the last 12 months, through presentations, sale of donations including Wimbledon memorabilia and a legacy pledge, £25,000 has been raised locally through those efforts. 

'Whilst at the Helimed 53, I was talked through the vast range of equipment carried. It literally is bringing an emergency unit in minutes to cater for all eventualities including, if required, the capability to provide blood or even operate.' 

As part of his visit, Martin was able to plot the 8-minute fly from Coventry Airport directly North to Ashby in the Air Ambulance control room. 

Martin mapped the route from Coventry Airport, where the Air Ambulance is based, to Ashby (Photo: Martin Cooper)

Speaking about his fundraising work over the last 18 months, Martin said: 'A mission costs on average £2,300 to launch, so everyone in Ashby who supported this adventure [...] I thank you all for your kindness in keeping the angels in the sky flying.' 

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Over 18 months, Martin visited 24 Air Ambulance stores and travelled nearly 1,000 miles in 10 weeks presenting the work of the Air Ambulance to Rotary Clubs, U3as and WI Groups.