Patients of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) are inviting the public to a glamorous charity ball.
The 1920’s themed event is being held in celebration of the charity’s 20th birthday and will showcase and celebrate the last two decades while raising funds for the next 20 years.
The charity has provided critical care to the most severely ill and injured people in the region, responding to over 23,500 incidents since it was first set up.
Among those already attending are former patients Ben Finlinson, managing director of B.A.F. Contracting, in Cleator, and Lucy Gordon from Carlisle.
Ben was involved in a serious HGV collision on the A66 near Warcop in 2013 and suffered a severe facial laceration, badly broken arm, spinal fractures, bruised lungs and solar plexus injuries.
The critical care team from GNAAS administered advanced pain relief and treatment before airlifting Ben to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
His partner Amy Edwards who works alongside him at B.A.F. Contracting said: “If it wasn’t for GNAAS and other emergency services, Ben would not be here to start and run a very successful business.”
Since the incident, B.A.F. Contracting has consistently supported GNAAS and is involved in a variety of fundraising activities.
Amy said: “GNAAS is our business’ chosen charity since we incorporated and always will be going forward. Over the past couple of years we have really enjoyed collaborating with GNAAS, signwriting our wagons, going to the balls, sponsoring events and installing mini wooden helicopters in Cumbria.”
Colleagues from the business have previously attended the charity’s North East ball and are now looking forward to attending a ball closer to home.
Amy said: “When I saw the email regarding the GNAAS Cumbrian ball I purchased the tickets right away, we couldn’t miss an opportunity to support the charity and even more so that it is in our county where GNAAS and B.A.F. HQ are based, which makes it a bit more special.”
The ball is open to everyone, and there are expected to be supporters, businesses, patients, and members of the operations team in attendance.
Another patient going to the ball is Lucy Gordon who was involved in a road traffic collision with her friend in Whitehaven in August 2019.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service arrived on scene and cut Lucy out of her car, and she was treated by the North West Ambulance Service and GNAAS.
She had broken her neck, collarbone, right arm, both legs, right knee and left foot, and was airlifted to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.
She has since made an incredible recovery and raised thousands of pounds for the charity.
Lucy said: “I’m coming to the ball with my fiancé and friends to celebrate and support GNAAS.
“I’m excited to get dressed up for the theme and to get involved in the prize draws and raffle.
“Myself and two friends, who are both attending, completed the Atlas Mountains Trek in June to raise money after I was involved in a serious car crash. Ever since I’ve raised money in various ways and will continue to do so.”
The Birthday Ball will take place at The Garden at Eden, Carlisle, on November 5 at 7pm.
Tickets for the ball are £70 per person with the early bird discount and can be bought individually or in tables for up to 12 people.
Tickets include a drinks reception, a three-course meal, live music, a disco and other entertainment. In addition, there will be a raffle and prize draws. To buy tickets, visit https://gna.as/20thBall or call 01325 487263.
