FOUR Rotary clubs hosted a group of Australian medical professionals as part of a study exchange.

The six guests were introduced by Rotary International to the team at Magpas, an emergency medical charity which provides vital pre-hospital assistance to victims of traumatic injuries.

The visitors, who included police officers, charity workers and medical personnel, were guests of Ely, Ely Hereward, Soham Staploe and Littleport Rotary Clubs.

They were shown around Magpas’ Helimedix helicopter base at RAF Wyton. Jacqueline Whipp, president of Ely Rotary, then presented a �1,000 cheque to Magpas to help fund its specialised training for doctors and paramedics.

She said: “It’s important for people from around the world to find out more about the advanced level of care Magpas provides.

“Our Australian guests have been given the opportunity to understand how this life-saving service constantly evolves, thanks to the wonders of education and learning.”

Daryl Brown, Magpas chief executive, said: “I’d like to thank Ely Rotary Club for their donation. Magpas can only continue to save lives thanks to the generosity of the public.”

He also spoke glowingly of his Australian visitors. He said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome our guests to the base and for everyone to be able to share their experiences with one another.

“It’s fascinating to meet medical, media and charity professionals from the other side of the world. There’s much we can learn from each other.”

Dr Virginia Loftus, adolescent psychiatrist at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, could not contain her admiration for Magpas.

She said: “We can’t believe this is a charity. We will make sure we spread the word about what we’ve seen and heard today - wherever we go.”