INVESTIGATION

The high life: Ascot junket and VIP service for air ambulance chief Andy Williamson

A charity boss faces an inquiry over claims that he exploited his role to mix with celebrities
The Air Ambulance Service charity, founded in 2003, has an income of about £16m a year
The Air Ambulance Service charity, founded in 2003, has an income of about £16m a year

On a summer’s day in 2016 charity bosses from the Air Ambulance Service, which flies emergency helicopters across the country, were mingling in one of the corporate hospitality tents during the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.

They were sharing meat platters and picnic hampers with champagne and Pimm’s to drink. The charity’s funds were picking up a large part of the bill.

The guests included Andy Williamson, head of the charity, and his wife Linda, who are joint directors of a public relations and celebrity agency, along with the EastEnders actress Anita Dobson.

Andy Williamson, head of the Air Ambulance Charity, with Boris Johnson
Andy Williamson, head of the Air Ambulance Charity, with Boris Johnson

It was billed as a networking day for the charity, which receives no government funding and flies air ambulances across five counties including Warwickshire and Derbyshire.

“It was a complete waste of