AMY Williams, who was helped by the Midlands Air Ambulance, has criticised suspected bogus collectors claiming to raise money for the charity.

She has echoed the bid by the emergency organisation to warn residents not to be fooled by what they believe to be fake bags posted through their door.

They claim an organisation is using the name Air Ambulance Support handing out leaflets and visiting homes across Gloucestershire.

Its collectors are requesting donations of clothing, shoes and handbags which they claim will be recycled to raise funds for Midlands Air Ambulance.

Amy was left unable to move after breaking her back in a hunting accident near Cold Aston in the Cotswolds.

But she avoided being paralysed when the charity's helicopter took her quickly to hospital.

The 28-year-old, from Farmington, near Bourton-on-the-Water, hopes people will continue to donate to Midlands Air Ambulance and not be put off by the bogus collectors.

She said: "A scam likes this makes me so cross. I pretty much owe everything to the air ambulance."

Charity bosses said the collectors are not affiliated with it.

They claim it is the third time this year that bogus charity collectors have struck in the region claiming to represent the charity.

Previous such operators have gone under the name Air Ambulance Service.

Midlands Air Ambulance has told Air Ambulance Support to stop its activity and remove all related literature and online information immediately. Jason Levy, the charity's head of fundraising and marketing, said: "The sad thing is they are duping decent members of the public into handing over clothing and other unwanted items.

"What they are doing undermines the whole basis of trust that governs our relationship with the public who so generously support and fund us, and rightly expect that their donations actually go towards saving lives."

He said that if householders are in doubt about the authenticity of a caller, they should ask to see formal identification. A legitimate Midlands Air Ambulance collector will be able to show material bearing the charity's correct logos and charity number.

The charity requires £6millon a year to keep its three helicopters, which serve Gloucestershire and several other counties, going.

The official identification can be viewed at www.midlandsairambulance.com.

Officials say the best way to ensure money reaches Midlands Air Ambulance is by donating via the website or by calling 0800 8402040.

In some instances, the charity will arrange to collect donated items.

OPINION, P8