Martin Cooper is a familiar face around Ashby, known for his on-going fundraising and informative talks about Your Local Air Ambulance. 

On Thursday 18th September, Martin joined the Smisby WI for an informative evening spreading awareness for the air ambulance. 

Martin was booked to attend the session by Suzanne, following a chance meeting on Ashby Bath Grounds and attended the meeting with his trusty mascot Marty Meerkat. 

Martin and Marty Meerkat with the new Smisby WI mascot (Photo: Martin Cooper)

After the evening, Suzanne said to Martin, 'everyone said how much they enjoyed it, the way you told us about the working of the helicopters through a quiz which made it so much more enjoyable, informative and interesting. 

'The fantastic amount of money that was raised, £211.50. It just goes to show how much the ladies appreciate the time and thought you put into the talk, and it reminds us how vital it is to support such a worthwhile charity.' 

Smisby WI raised over £200 for Your Local Air Ambulance with his informative talk (Photo: Martin Cooper)

Martin said: 'We [himself and Marty Meerkat] have been to speak to many groups this part 18 months and met many people locally who have all been genuinely interested to know more of the Charity and how they work.' 

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Martin presented Smisby WI with their very own meerkat mascot he bought from the Your Local Air Ambulance charity shop. They are open to name suggestions for their new mascot.

In July, Martin visited the Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance base at Coventry Airport as a special thank you to Martin for fundraising nearly £25,000. 

Read the full story here.