Doing her bit: Theo Walcott's pregnant wife Melanie Slade becomes patron of the Children's Air Ambulance charity

She's pregnant with Arsenal player, Theo Walcott's first child, so it's only fitting that Melanie Slade wanted to get involved and help out a children's charity.
The 24-year old returned to her home city of Southampton on Thursday to become patron of the Children's Air Ambulance service.
The charity is the UK's first dedicated air service for critically-ill babies and children.

Charitable: Pregnant Melanie Slade has become the patron of the Children's Air Ambulance service

Melanie's blossoming bump was clearly visible on the day as she opted for a patterned midi skirt which she teamed with a black top and a cropped leather jacket.

Slade toured the Southampton General Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit with a host of doctors, before wearing a high-vis coat to look at the helipad where the emergency choppers land.
Talking to reporters, the mum-to-be said she was very keen to support the essential work carried out by the charity.

Blossoming: Melanie and footballer Theo Walcott's baby is due in the summer and her bump was clearly on show

Photo shoot: The stunning lady modelled a high-vis jacket as she stood on the hospital's helipad

'I'm proud to be asked to be the patron for the Children's Air Ambulance and the work they undertake,' she said.
'I look forward to working with the team to help this charity grow into a truly national service so that every child on the UK mainland can have access to the service should they need it.
'It is fitting that my first formal duty is in my home town of Southampton where they have one of the best paediatric intensive care units in the country.'

Beaming: Melanie looked lovely as she walked through the hospital wearing a patterned midi skirt and black top

Explanation: Melanie met with a host of doctors who told her all about the good work the charity was doing

Melanie and Theo announced the news that they were to become parents back in December.
The couple said in a statement: 'We are both very excited at such happy news just a few months after getting married. We are really looking forward to becoming parents.'
It is likely Walcott will be in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, which kicks off on June 12, around the time his child is due in the summer.
The 24-year-old England football player married Mel, his childhood sweetheart, in June at Castello di Vincigliata, near Florence in Italy.
They married following nine years of dating after meeting at the WestQuay shopping centre in Southampton - when he was playing for the seaside town's youth team.

Mum-to-be: Slade cradled her bump protectively as she talked to members of the medical team

Happy: The 24-year-old said it was fitting that she was back in her home town of Southampton for the occasion