Joyce Ware was an incredible woman. Fiercely loving and the heart of our family. She had a gift for bringing us together, whether through her warmth, her laughter, or her unwavering strength. We lost her earlier this year, and her absence is felt every day. She is missed dearly by us all, but her love lives on in the memories we share and the bonds she helped build.

Joyce had a lifelong commitment to helping others. Two charities were especially close to her heart: the RNLI and the Midlands Air Ambulance. During her funeral, she raised funds for the RNLI, and now, in her memory, I am fundraising for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC).

The MAAC provides life-saving care across our region and relies entirely on public donations. It’s a cause I know Joyce would be proud to support, continuing her legacy of kindness, compassion, and community spirit.

This year, the Potters 'Arf Marathon falls on what would have been her 90th birthday weekend, so it feels especially fitting to run it in her honour.

MAAC responds to over 4,500 call-outs each year, covering the largest air ambulance region in England and serving around seven million people. Annual running costs are between £13 and £14 million to operate three aircraft and critical care vehicles. Each helicopter mission costs around £2,950, while a critical care car call-out costs approximately £288.

A donation of £900 could fund nearly a third of a helicopter mission, or three full critical care car call-outs, making a real and measurable difference.

Every donation made in Joyce’s name helps carry forward her love and generosity. Thank you for helping us honour her memory in such a meaningful way.