A TEAM of six Midlands Air Ambulance flight paramedics will be running the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run in their flight suits to raise money and awareness for the organisation’s charity.

The team of flying paramedics – Steve Mason, Greg Ambler, Dave Bentley, Laura Rogers, Ian Lock and Olly Ayles – will be running the half-marathon on Sunday, October 18, dressed in their Midlands Air Ambulance paramedic flight uniforms.

And they will be carrying the two medical bags they use on a daily basis, which contain lifesaving equipment weighing more than 70lbs, around the 13.1-mile course.

It is hoped the fitness challenge will raise £2,500 - the average cost of just one mission flown by one of the charities three aircraft.

Steve Mason, team member, said: “The Midlands Air Ambulance is an amazing charity-funded organisation that I am proud to be a part of.

“Not many people know this but the Midlands Air Ambulance service receives no government or National Lottery funding and relies completely on funding and donations from the public and local organisations, so events like the Morrisons Great Birmingham Run are key to add to the fundraising calendar.

“My colleagues and I have all run half marathons before, so we know what training it is going to take. However none of us have run before in such restricting and heavy clothing. The flight suits are fireproof and restrict ventilation, so it will be an extra hard run for us.

“As a group we rarely get the opportunity to get together as we all work shifts for both the ambulance and Midlands Air Ambulance, so this run will be a great opportunity to see everyone.”

Midlands Air Ambulance operates three air ambulances serving the communities of six Midlands counties, making it the largest air ambulance region in the UK. Each mission costs £2,500 and more than £6.5 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational.

To donate to the team’s cause visit justgiving.com/G-ambler