Fundraisers help Midlands charity raise £9m every year

The charity receives no government or National Lottery funding, relying on the public and businesses for support.

Maria Jones, of Longdon-Upon-Tern, near Telford, is the charity's fundraising executive for Shropshire.

"I look for new ways of bringing money into the charity, plus supporting people who are already fundraising," she said.

"It’s also about spreading awareness of the service we provide to everyone across the county.

"No two days are ever the same, which is why I love working for MAAC. One day I could be at a school with children of all ages, taking an assembly and the next I will be at a formal function giving a 20 minute speech."

All sorts of events help to raise funds for the charity, with staff also getting involved.

Speaking about her own fundraising efforts, Ms Jones said: "I’ve walked 25 miles across Hadrian’s Wall in a day. I’ve abseiled from the top of the Cosford Museum and I take part in our annual Walk4Life every May.

"I’ve persuaded my family to get involved with fundraising. My son used to hold regular doughnut sales at school and my husband has cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money.

"It’s so vital that people get involved in fundraising. Whether it’s big or small, every donation really counts to the charity.

"We rely totally on public donations and receive no funding, so it is so important that people keep supporting us.

"I’ve met many wonderful people over the last 10 years who have used the service and who would definitely not be alive today if had not been for the work of MAAC.

"Fundraising can be fun, and we can always support anyone who is thinking of holding an event or taking part in any kind of fundraising."

She says any money raised is never taken for granted.

"Many people are so kind and generous, sometimes someone may have used our service but sadly passed away, and often their families are so determined and committed to fundraising in memory of their loved one," she added.

"A great moment for me was when one of our regular fundraisers, Sandra Speck, received a recognition award at our ball last year.

"Sandra works so hard and has raised thousands of pounds over the last 10 years – the look of shock and surprise on her face when she was called to the stage was priceless."

One of its biggest fundraisers is the Bike4Life Ride Out, which attracts thousands of bikers riding from Meole Brace in Shrewsbury to RAF Cosford.

The charity also has three shops in Wellington, Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire and West Bromwich in the West Midlands.

It is also promoting its new campaign, MAAC’n’Cheese, and is inviting people to hold their own cheese-inspired fundraisers.

For details of events held in aid of the charity visit midlandsairambulance.com/news-and-events/events