RESIDENTS of Worcestershire are being invited to step out and enjoy the countryside while raising vital funds for the lifesaving Midland Air Ambulance Charity services.

The charity is organising its Pound the Bounds walk in the Rock area of Kidderminster which will give participants a choice of six routes to entice the keen athletes and those who enjoy a relaxing stroll. The distances range from a 26-mile marathon to a three-mile family treasure trail.

The event takes place on Sunday May 6 and each route boasts stunning views and scenery, at the time of year when the countryside is at its most beautiful, with bluebells and other spring flowers at their best.

Registration is just £3 for the family treasure trail, £6 for the six-mile route, and £8 for the nine, 13 and 18 mile and marathon routes and funds raised go directly towards supporting the lifesaving work of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

Last year the event raised over £5,000 for the charity funding two lifesaving air ambulance missions.

Michelle McCracken, fundraising executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity in Worcestershire said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity attends on average six air ambulance missions every day. Over 30 per cent of these missions are in Worcestershire, Herefordshire or Gloucestershire.

“Pound the Bounds is a fantastic event and a chance for people to enjoy the outdoors while supporting a local charity.”

To register your place in the event visit www.poundthebounds.com

For more information about Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and how to support the organisation, please contact the team on 0800 8 40 20 40 or visit www.midlandsairambulance.com.

The charity has also been awarded Investors in People and Investors in Volunteers accreditations, demonstrating its commitment to investing in local people and good management practice.

The recent review took place at the charity’s HQ in Stourbridge, as well as the West Bromwich charity shop. Both employees and volunteers were overwhelmingly positive about their experiences with the charity and the reports noted a clear team-spirit and enthusiasm.

Angela Watkins, director of business support for the charity, said: “Our people are at the heart of everything we do. The aircrew, charity team and our volunteers are the backbone of the charity.

“Everyone has their part to play in helping to save lives across the region, and we are exceptionally proud this has been recognised by Investors in People and Investors in Volunteers. A big thank you to all of our staff and volunteers for taking part in the assessments.”

The organisation has, in addition, been accredited with the Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations (PQASSO) quality mark level 2, after a review last year.

The charity’s board was recognised as being ‘active and experienced’, and directors ‘enthusiastic’.

The PQASSO report also saw effective charity governance, communication and systems in place throughout the organisation, to record activities and monitor financial activities. After interviewing staff and volunteers, high morale was reported throughout the organisation.

Angela said: “We’re all so pleased to have gained this highly sought-after recognition from PQASSO, and we’re very proud of how far our organisation has come over the past 27 years.

“We’re always looking to demonstrate our openness and transparency, and this accreditation is another opportunity for us to highlight this.”