Patients, paramedics and pilots mixed with celebrities and prominent North-East businesses this weekend to raise money for the region’s air ambulance charity.
More than 200 guests attended the Air Angels Charity Ball at the Hilton Hotel in Gateshead on Saturday June 4 in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
The black tie event, hosted by charity patron and ITV Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle, had an ‘Air Angels’ theme and has so far raised £7,500 to go towards funding GNAAS’ three helicopters and its team of specialist paramedics and doctors.
Guests included former GNAAS patients and medical staff, Mark and Elizabeth Moffatt of Gogglebox and corporate supporters including Jennings Motor Group, Simpson Group, Ross Hutchinson of Tyne Tees, HMH Civils, Muckle LLP, A-Belco, Niven Architects, Rivers Capital, UNW and Gospelware.
GNAAS chief executive, Grahame Pickering MBE, said “Our annual North-East ball is always a highly anticipated event and a unique occasion in our events calendar. It is a rare opportunity for supporters, survivors, medical crew and staff to unite in celebration of our life saving service.
“This is incredibly important for us as every single penny raised helps us to continue to operate our air ambulance service. It also means we can continue to invest into medical advancements, such as carrying blood and plasma on board our aircraft, so that we can keep on increasing survival rates for our patients across the region.”
Guests were entertained throughout the evening with a spitfire flight simulator, charity auction, live music from Grooveline and a silent disco donated by Saint Cuthbert College, Durham University.
Mr Pickering, who founded the charity, wished to thank the guests for attending and all those individuals and businesses who made the event possible through donations, sponsorships, entertainment and theming.
The charity now turns its attention to the Air Angels Charity Ball in Carlisle, Cumbria, on September 24. Tickets are available here or by calling 01325-487263.
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