SHE is the shop girl turned celeb mum-to-be who has become a famous face alongside her England striker husband.

Now Mel Slade is to preparing to return to her home city as the patron of a charity close to her heart.

The 24-year-old, who is married to former Saints star Theo Walcott, will be the face of the Children’s Air Ambulance, the country’s first dedicated air service for critically-ill babies and children.

On Thursday the 24-year-old will welcome the helicopter when it lands at Southampton General Hospital to meet aircrew as well as children and staff from the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Mel, who usually keeps a low public profile, said she is delighted to support the vital service – and in particular is pleased her first job will be in her home city.

She said: “I am proud to be asked to be the patron for the Children’s Air Ambulance Service and the work they undertake.

“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.”

The Children’s Air Ambulance, which was launched in October 2012 and transferred its first baby last May, will touch down in Southampton, home of the region’s leading paediatric intensive care unit, to show medical staff the latest medical equipment it has at its disposal.

The helicopter is used to solely transport critically ill youngsters from district hospitals to specialist centres – such as Southampton – throughout England and Wales in emergencies.

The organisation plans to bring a second aircraft into service which will be based in the south.

About 6,000 babies and children suffering from severe illnesses or injuries, such as meningitis, organ failure, heart conditions or major trauma need urgent specialist treatment every year and, with TCAA, transfer times will be reduced from hours to minutes compared with the same journeys by road.

It is unknown whether Mel will be joined by Arsenal striker Theo, who will not be going to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup after he suffered an injury.

Mel added: “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.

“I am looking forward to meeting the team at PICU and learning about the excellent work they do there,” says Mel, who is the daughter of former Southampton mayor John Slade.

Chief executive of TCAA Andy Williamson, added: “We are delighted that Melanie Walcott has agreed to become our patron and look forward to building a long-term association with Melanie and Theo.”

TCAA requires £134,000 a month to provide the service and is funded solely by donations and sponsorship.

To help, go to thechildrensairambulance.org.uk.