[T]HE stars of a television series are inviting residents of the region to join them at the annual fundraising ball for the region’s air ambulance service.
Black tie code means the aircrew of the Great North Air Ambulance Service will have to temporarily ditch their trademark orange flying suits for the charity’s Air Angels Ball, which takes place in Gateshead on June 16 and is hosted by Pam Royle.
Among the hundreds of guests on the night will be doctors, pilots, paramedics and patients featured in the Emergency Helicopter Medics series, which airs on Sundays on More4 at 9pm.
Dr Phil Godfrey, who features on the series during the rescue of a woman following a gas explosion in a house at Ryhope and a scalded child in Stockton-on-Tees, urged members of the public to come along and support the cause.
He added: “People still don’t realise we are a charity. That’s a huge risk to us because we don’t want to find ourselves in a position where we don’t have the money to fly.
“Our ball is a great way for us to raise awareness and vital funds along the way. We hope that individuals and businesses from across our area support the event and help keep us flying.”
The event takes place at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. Tickets are £60 per person and include a three-course meal, live music from Hip Operation, a disco and other entertainment. In addition there will be an auction, prize draws, photobooth and a raffle.
A limited number of hotel rooms are available to our guests at a special rate of £121 for two people, including breakfast and use of the spa.
Ruth Davey, event organiser, said hundreds of tickets had already been sold but that more were available.
“We’d love to beat last year’s fundraising total of £26,300,” she added.
To buy your tickets, visit www.gnaas.com or call 01325-487263.
