ONE of Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s most loved - and furriest - team members marked her first birthday on Sunday by attending three fundraising events.

Marsha, the charity’s pilot bear mascot, cheered on those taking part in the Swindon Santa Fun Run at Lydiard Park, Swindon, then travelled across Wiltshire to join other Wiltshire Air Ambulance volunteers at a stall by Santa’s Grotto at Leekes department store in Melksham.

Her third event of the day was the Winter Wonderland event at Whitehall Garden Centre, near Chippenham, where she met Christmas shoppers and ended the day by cutting her birthday cake.

Marsha has been in huge demand since joining Wiltshire Air Ambulance, attending a variety of fundraising events all over Wiltshire on her own or with her paramedic bear crewmate, Wilber.

Beth Gardner, fundraising manager at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said:

“Marsha has proven to be as popular with the public as our paramedic mascot, Wilber, and has attended all sorts of events including bake sales, a netball match and a charity football match at Swindon Town FC.

“We’re so grateful to Soft Options Water Softeners Limited for sponsoring Marsha and Wilber, as it shows their commitment to our lifesaving work.

"We’d also like to thank our volunteers who help bring our mascots to life.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance is always keen to hear from people who would be interested in helping the charity by becoming a volunteer.

Call the charity team on 01225 300536 or email hello@wiltshireairambulance.co.uk.