A donation has been made to a medical charity in recognition of a stalwart volunteer.

Malvern mayor Nick Houghton, in one of his final acts as mayor, used his mayoral allowance to donate £250 to the Midlands Air Ambulance.

This was done in honour of Steven Tyrrell, who has been volunteering at Malvern Town Council events for the best part of a decade, largely as a first aider.

A town council spokesperson said the work he does is all voluntary.

“Steve gives his time and skills freely, helping with events such as the Christmas Light Switch On, The Mayor’s Bonanza and Remembrance.

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“Most recently Steve worked as a first aid marshal for the Mayor’s Peaks Challenge, an event that raised over £4,000 for the mayoral charity, Guide Dogs.

“The town council decided it was time to recognise the excellent contribution that Steve has made to town council events over the years and Councillor Houghton agreed to use his mayoral allowance to donate £250 to Steven’s chosen charity.”

Cllr Houghton said: “Steve has been a huge asset to the town council’s event team for many years now.

“He gives his time freely, is willing to help in any way that he can and always conducts himself with the greatest integrity.

“I am delighted that I can give this donation to recognise all the help he has given as a volunteer at town council events over many years.”

Midlands Air Ambulance is Steve’s chosen charity, largely because he received invaluable medical assistance from them some years ago after a serious injury to his hand. 

The charity operates three air ambulances, one of which is based at Strensham near the M5, and covers Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

Each year it costs between £11-12 million to maintain the three aircraft and the provision of a lifesaving service. Each air ambulance mission costs an average of £2,950. Each critical care car mission costs £288 on average.

The charity does not receive funding from the Government or National Lottery for its daily missions so relies entirely on the support and generosity of local people and businesses.