THE Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is asking people to become virtual supporters to help keep its lifesaving medics in the skies.

In usual times the charity's dedicated team of volunteers and supporters help to bring in income by hosting charity events and staffing charity shops, receiving cheques and giving talks but the coronavirus crisis has put a temporary stop to all of these fundraising activities.

The Lye based charity, which relies on donations and support from the public to fund its daily lifesaving operations, has therefore moved its fundraising efforts online and is appealing for virtual volunteers and supporters.

To date virtual volunteers have been taking part in Zoom charity talks and hosting virtual cheque presentations - and now members of the public are being asked to get involved too to help raise awareness and cash for the lifesaving service.

Alison Hill, donor support and volunteer manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been keeping in regular contact with the volunteers that support us by calling them and checking in with them.

“While many of our volunteers are still able to support us during these unprecedented times, it would be beneficial to our lifesaving cause to see more virtual engagement with our online fundraising initiatives.”

Virtual supporters can take part in online initiatives such as the the virtual Tatenhill Airbase open day on Sunday June 28. They can also get involved on social media by liking the charity on Facebook or following MAAc on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn and encourage friends and family to do the same. People are also asked to share posts and help spread the word about the charity.

Those not on social media can keep up to date with the charity's news online at midlandsairambulance.com. People are also invited to take pictures when they see the charity's distinctive red helicopters in the skies and share them with the charity on social media - or join the MAAC's mailing list to receive its free Take Off magazine and regular update emails by emailing info@midlandsairambulance.com to sign up.