John Leech MP Supports North West Air Ambulance

10.17.31pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 11th Oct 2006

John Leech MP supports the North West Air Ambulance, which has saved many lives

John Leech, Liberal Democrat MP for Manchester Withington will support the North West Air Ambulance's (NWAA) "Big Yellow One" Awareness Day on Friday 13 October, by wearing a yellow tie all day.

People throughout South Manchester have been urged to think, wear and feel yellow on Friday 13 October, a very lucky day for NWAA because those participating in its Big Yellow One Awareness Day will also be raising vital funds for the charity.

The region's only air medical emergency service has chosen yellow as the theme of its annual day as it is the colour of the charity's famous helicopter, Katie, that races to hundreds of North West incidents every year.

From dressing in yellow from head to toe to donating £1 to take part in one of the bright yellow balloon races being held at schools across the region, the NWAA has encouraged everyone to go yellow crazy.

John Leech didn't take much persuading. He said:

"North West Air Ambulance is a very important and vital charity that saves many lives across the North West each year, I'm delighted to give it my support by wearing a yellow tie to work on Friday."

"I hope many other people in the region will join me in offering their support by donating money to this worthwhile charity and wearing yellow when they go to school or work or simply when they're out having fun."

As part of the Big Yellow One Awareness Day, nearly 100 schools throughout the North West will be taking part in a yellow balloon race, competing with other schools to find the balloon that floats the furthest and to be in with a chance of winning for the school a visit from Katie. *

Other ideas that supporters have come up with to help raise money on the day include fining friends who come into work without wearing any yellow, holding a yellow cake sale and holding a mass hair bleaching session.

Lynda Brislin, charity chief executive at the NWAA commented: "A while ago we asked everyone to bring a little sunshine into the lives of those around them on 13 October and the response has been fantastic. We're delighted that our local MP has promised to take part in our Awareness Day.

"It's not too late to take part. Please do call for a fund-raising pack full of bright ideas if you would like to get involved. Not only will you have a really fun day but you will also raise much-needed funds, which will help us to continue saving lives across the North West."

It costs £1.3 million per year to keep this vital service in the sky seven days a week, 365 days a year, across 5,500 square miles serving a residential population of seven million. The NWAA covers all major road incidents, all serious sporting accidents and incidents in areas that have poor and restricted road access. On average the NWAA is called out up to ten times a day in the summer.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For a fund-raising pack, further details about the NWAA or to make a donation please call 0800 587 4570 or visit www.northwestairambulance.co.uk.

• The NWAA helicopter visit is subject to the school having an area the size of a standard football pitch for landing.