Midlands Air Ambulance wants you to "Back Becky!"

Flight crew at Midlands Air Ambulance will be sprinting ahead this month as they take part in the 2011 London Marathon.

Air Operations Manager Becky Tinsley, and Flight Paramedic Ian Lock, both based at Cosford airbase, will be joining over 36,000 runners taking on the 26 mile challenge through the capital city on 17th April.

Between them Becky and Ian are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for Midlands Air Ambulance relying on support from friends, family, local businesses and the general public.

Proving she's always one to accept a challenge, Shropshire girl Becky decided to run the London Marathon even though she has never entered a marathon before.

"Running the London Marathon just seemed like a great way to celebrate the Charity's 20th anniversary," says 35 year old Becky. "Everyday the crew sees first hand just how important the air ambulance is so I'm sure that will keep me going even when I just want to collapse!"

Becky has spent the last two months juggling work with a gruelling training regime and is now hoping to cross the finish line within four and a half hours.

"It's been a tough mix of working and training but I feel like I'm finally getting there and fingers crossed I'll raise a significant sum for Midlands Air Ambulance."

Becky has been part of the flight crew at Midlands Air Ambulance for the past nine years, attending hundreds of potentially life-saving missions across the Midlands.

Charity Director Hanna Sebright and Head of Fundraising Jason Levy will be heading down to London along with colleagues, friends and family to cheer on the fundraising pair. To support Becky and Ian simply visit Rebecca Tinsley's fundraising page on Virgin Money Giving.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=RebeccaTinsley&faId=73727&isTeam=false

The Virgin London Marathon is the biggest in the World and one of the most anticipated sporting events in the UK calendar. It has raised over £450 million for charity since it began in 1981 and holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest fundraising event in the world.

Next month Becky and Ian will be celebrating their marathon achievements at the Midlands Air Ambulance 20th anniversary fundraising ball. Taking place on the 21st May the ball is open to everyone. Tickets are priced at £50 or £450 for a table of ten. For more information visit www.midlandsairambulance.com or call 0800 840 2040.