Phoenix and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity have been partners since 2014. The company has extended the partnership until the end of 2020 in the face of the pandemic.

The charity provides pre-hospital clinical care to over 3,500 people across the Midlands each year. While the ambulance is not tasked directly to coronavirus patients, the pressure on the NHS due to the virus means the aircrew is offering further support to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

The donation will help fund operational costs of the service. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no government funding and with fundraising events cancelled and charity shops closed, the service depends on donations more than ever.

Andy Briggs, CEO of Phoenix Group, commented on the donation: “It is vital we recognize the lifesaving efforts of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and the unprecedented demands for their service at this time. As our long-term charity partner, it is our duty to donate and this small measure is part of our wider commitment to support communities across the UK battling the effects of Covid-19.

“At this time of economic and social uncertainty all charities are vulnerable; and we urge financially able businesses to join us in providing air ambulance charities with a vital lifeline.”

Hanna Sebright, CEO of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, added: “The pandemic has led to the most challenging time in our charity’s 29-year history. Phoenix Group’s extended commitment and further donation is a true reflection of the company’s understanding of how important our work is to the local communities of the Midlands. We are humbled and grateful for their on-going support, which will help fund a further 17 air ambulance and 34 critical care car missions, saving countless lives across the Midlands.”