Worcestershire Hunt praised for vital fundraising by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity

The Worcestershire Hunt has been praised for their vital fundraising efforts by the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

The Hunt, which meets regularly and runs numerous social events throughout the year, raised over a whopping £20,000, which has been presented to the vital local service.

Using charity buckets at Hunt events over the last few months and thanks to numerous generous contributions via the group's JustGiving page, the Hunt's organising committee were able to raise further cash by running a huge Coyote Ugly themed bash.

The evening event, which was kindly hosted by the Shaw Family at the home of the Hunt's team chase in Abbeylands, saw over 450 people from across the local community come together to dance the night away. All proceeds from tickets sales and drinks purchased at the bar went directly to the major region-wide charity.

Speaking at the presentation of the big cheque during the Hound Parade at the Hanbury Show on Saturday, joint- Master Adrian Ward said: "We were delighted to present this cheque to this amazing charity. Our supporters worked hard to raise these funds for a hugely important service which might be needed by any member of our local community in the future. Not only have we raised crucial funds, but our supporters and their friends and family also benefitted from a fantastic night out at our Coyote Ugly Party!".

A shot from the Coyote Ugly bash held to raise funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (Photo credit Stuart Myers Photography)

The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) operates and funds three air ambulances which cover six Midlands counties, including Worcestershire. It receives no government funding and is required to raise £9 million annually to undertake an average of 2,000 missions each year.

In response to the donation, Michelle McCracken, Worcestershire fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: "We're very grateful to receive such wonderful support from this group, which will go towards funding eight lifesaving missions.

"Each of the missions Midlands Air Ambulance Charity undertakes cost £2,500, and we receive no Government or National Lottery funding, so it's fantastic that local community groups such as this help to keep our helicopters in the air and saving lives."

A spokesman for the Worcestershire Hunt confirmed that preparations are underway to look at other ways of raising funds for vital local charities.

"The Worcestershire Hunt have excelled themselves by raising a phenomenal amount for the vital service provided by The Midlands Air Ambulance. The charity responds to some of the most traumatic incidents including cardiac arrests, road traffic collisions and sports injuries, often reaching remote places to save lives of those involved.

She went on to add that this demonstration of generosity is commonplace within Hunting communities across the country: "Each year hunts up and down the country raise funds for local and national charities or organisations to benefit all members of the public, not just those who follow hounds. Hunts care passionately about their local community "

In April this year, the Cheshire Forest Hunt were also praised for their efforts in raising money for the North West Air Ambulance (NWAA).

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