The team of flying paramedics – Steve Mason, Greg Ambler, Dave Bentley, Laura Rogers, Ian Lock and Olly Ayles – will be running the half marathon dressed in their Midlands Air Ambulance paramedic flight uniform, and carrying the two medical bags they use of a daily basis. These contain lifesaving equipment, which collectively weigh in at over 70lb.

They aim to raise over £2,500, which is the average cost of just one mission flown by one of the charities three aircraft. In addition they will be raising awareness for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, which is funded entirely by donations and sponsorship.

Team member, Steve Mason explained: “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.”

Steve added: “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.”

The Midlands Air Ambulance is the charity responsible for funding and operating three air ambulances serving the communities of six Midlands counties, constituting the largest air ambulance region in the UK. Each mission costs £2,500 and in excess of £6.5 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational.