Shropshire businesswomen trio abseil for charity
A Shropshire businesswomen trio – all members of the Shropshire Chamber - with a head for heights abseiled down the 50ft tall viewing tower at RAF Museum Cosford as part of a charity event which raised thousands of pounds for Midlands Air Ambulance.
They were among 28 volunteers to brave the heights for the deserving charity which receives no public funds and needs to raise £6 million each year to continue its lifesaving work to run three helicopters which attend emergencies and quickly get casualties to hospital for urgent treatment.
Jo Baugh, a director of TTC Automotive, business driver training and vehicle fleet management specialists linked up with Ruth Ross, MD of Building Trust and Safety Ltd and Maria Jones, the community fundraising manager for Midlands Air Ambulance.
“I was nuts to do it but I am glad I did. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of friends and clients,” said Jo, whose company is part of the TTC Group based at Hadley Park East, Telford.
Ruth and I were at a Shropshire Chamber meeting when Maria explained the costs of keeping the air ambulance flying and then asked for volunteers for the abseil. I decided to sign up as I live near RAF Cosford and I’m aware how often the air ambulance is called out.”
So far Jo has raised £800. Sponsors can help Jo to reach her £1,000 target at http://fundraising.midlandsairambulance.com/jo_baugh or Ruth Ross at http://fundraising.midlandsairambulance.com/ruthie
Ruth, who has run her health and safety firm at Lee Brockhurst, near Shrewsbury, for the past 15 years, intends doing two tandem skydives in the Summer to raise £2,500 for the charity this year – the cost of a single call out by the air ambulance.
“I don’t like heights and I don’t like jumping out of planes but it is all worth it. It costs £2,500 for one call out for the air ambulance and if I or my friends ever need them then I’ve made a contribution” said Ruth, whose neighbour was rescued by the air ambulance after a crushing accident last year.
A total of £5,000 was raised at the charity abseil.
Maria Jones added: “We are always looking for volunteers for our charity events. We don’t get funding from the Government or the lottery and we need to reach our £6m target with financial support from the public. Our three helicopters cover six counties, including Shropshire.”
Midlands Air Ambulance celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. For more information about how you can help with fundraising visit www.midlandsairambulance.com.
