Starring roles for Fundraising stars!

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Shannon and Ellie Cratchley with Sangeeta Bhabra

Kent Air Ambulance celebrated 20 years of saving lives in the county at their first ever awards dinner on Saturday evening.

The star spangled evening took place at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone and recognized the amazing achievements of the some of the people who have raised funds for the charity.

Among the winners were Shannon and Ellie Cratchley, who won the award for the Youngest Fundraisers. The girls aged seven and nine, have attended events with their grandparents after their grandfather John Parnell suffered a cardiac arrest in 2004 and was airlifted by the Air Ambulance. The girls both said an emotional thank you to the charity when they were presented with their award by Sangeeta Bhabra, presenter of Meridian Tonight.

Mr Parnell from Ashford said "We are so grateful to the crew of the Air Ambulance for saving my life. It was a lovely surprise that the girls won this award and we are very proud of them."

Guests were joined at the black tie dinner by crew from the Air Ambulance who received a standing ovation. Local comedian Dave Lee performed a hilarious routine during the evening and also joined celebrities such as former HolbyCity actress, Rebecca Grant, Rob Smith, of BBC South East, Olympic cycling gold medalist Jamie Staff and the Mayor of Folkestone Cllr Janet Andrews to present the awards.

Kent Air Ambulance has responded to over 14,000 medical emergencies since it was established 20 years ago. The helicopter flies 365 days a year and it costs £1.7 million a year to fund the service. The charity relies almost entirely on voluntary donations from the public.

Sheena Welch of The Three Horseshoes in Sevenoaks and Rob Smith

Brian Pettit, the Highways 101 Club and Janet Andrews, Mayor of Folkestone

Chloe Marriott on behalf of Sarah Marriot and Dave Lee MBE

Steve Cloude and Rebecca Grant