Four children from Oxfordshire have been recognised as fundraising champions for a national charity.

Joshua Foster, aged 10, Elouise Foster, seven, Evelyn Ward, 10, and six-year-old Lillie Ward have dedicated their time doing a variety of activities and fundraisers to raise as much money as possible to keep the Children’s Air Ambulance's Agusta Westland 169 aircraft flying lifesaving missions.

Operated by the Air Ambulance Service, the Children’s Air Ambulance is an inter-hospital transfer service flying critically ill babies and children from one hospital to another for specialist care.

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With their ability to fly at a top speed of 165mph, around four times faster than the same journey by road, they can minimise travel times and the risk for young patients.

Each children’s transfer they carry out costs around £3,500.

The children from Thame are members of The Crew, a club for children linked to the lifesaving charity and, because of their dedication, have now achieved their Silver Award for raising a collective £410.

Witney Gazette:

Children's Air Ambulance

All four of them will be receiving a new certificate and club ID badge in silver colours, as well as 10 per cent off donated items in the charity’s retail stores - in recognition for their fundraising efforts.

Youth development manager for the Children’s Air Ambulance, Anoushka Brown said: “We are so happy that they enjoy being members of The Crew and we are so grateful for their brilliant fundraising – it really is such an honour to present them with their well-deserved Silver Awards.”

As part of The Crew, children can learn about saving lives, helicopters, medicine, fundraising and how a charity works.

She added: "The club offers advice and teaching on community work, volunteering, working as part of a team and supporting good causes – which form part of many school curriculums.

“It is completely free to join and, once signed up, members will receive an awesome welcome pack."

The club has also launched a month-long Mascot Competition until November 18 and encourage children to sign up and get involved for a chance to win a family pass to a theme park of choice, as well as a visit to TCAA helicopter base.

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To find out more call 0300 3045 999 or visit childrensairambulance.org.uk.

The Air Ambulance Service, which receives no government funding, is the umbrella organisation for the Children’s Air Ambulance , and two local air ambulances; Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance and Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance.

Last month the Children’s Air Ambulance flew its first mission from its new Oxford base.

The charity successfully transferred a young patient from London to Cardiff. It was one week after the new helicopter base was officially unveiled at London Oxford Airport near Kidlington.

Since 2013 the charity has completed more than 300 missions with its NHS clinical partners operating out of the Midlands with one aircraft but the decision to provide two helicopters at bases in the north and south of Great Britain will enable the charity to meet more needs with a target of 600 missions a year.