National air ambulance service mascot launched in Doncaster today

The official mascot is called Blade - a yellow and green superhero bear with rotor blades on its back - and is set to visit The Air Ambulance Service’s charity stores across the country following today's launch.

Blade was created after a nationwide competition to find the perfect mascot for #TheCrew – their club for children and young people – and with over 500 entries, the charity was proud to bring the winning design to life!

The Children’s Air Ambulance – operated by The Air Ambulance Service – is based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

It is a national service for the high-speed transfer of critically ill babies and children – flying them from one hospital to another for specialist care.

Blade’s first stop on his charity store roadshow will be the Children’s Air Ambulance Doncaster superstore on Thorne Road Retail Park today, between 11am and 3pm.

“We love our new mascot Blade, and we can’t wait for the Doncaster local community to meet him,” says Youth Development Manager for TCAA, Anoushka Brown.

The charity is encouraging people to meet and greet Blade in the superstore, learn all about #TheCrew, and get involved in the next national children’s competition – creative writing.

#TheCrew is asking for youngsters to get creative once again and write an imaginative story, sending Blade, and sidekick Peggy, on their very first adventure.

With some great prizes to be won - including a tour of the TCAA helicopter - spelling and grammar skills are not essential for the competition, just wonderful stories.

“It’s great to encourage creativity in children and that’s why we have launched this next competition,” says Anoushka.

“There are three age categories, age six and younger, 7-11, and 12-16, so all youngsters can get involved,” she adds.

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

Anyone wishing to learn more can call 0300 3045 999 or visit www.childrensairambulance.org.uk

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