WINTER 2023
FLIGHT FOR LIFE 25 YEAR CELEBRATION ISSUE
Contents Welcome from Jane 3 A Heartfelt Thank You 4 Our 25 Year Journey 5-7 Ken Bailey’s Story 8 Albert Cooke’s Gift 9 Essex Blood Runners 10 Andy’s Story 11 Motorcycle Run 2023 12-13 Strictly Air Ambulance 14-15 Jane’s Inspirational Leadership 16 Aderyn’s Two Decades of Dedication 17 Laurie Phillipson’s 21 Years of Service 18 Volunteering 19 Steve Dukes’s Fundraising Journey 20 Calling all Heroes 22 12th Aeromedical Conference 23 How Patients Inspire Our Path 24 Thank-a-Thon 25 Over a Decade of Giving 26 Arctic Trek 28 Mapping the Future 29 Centre for Excellence 30 Night Flying 31 Resilience in Retail 32-33 Flight for Life Lottery 34 2Corporate Sponsors & Partners 35
Welcome
to this very special edition of your Flight For Life Magazine This past year has felt like a remarkable journey in its own right, showcasing the incredible power of community and the huge impact we can make when we come together. In this special edition, we’re not just celebrating a quarter-century of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance (EHAAT) but also expressing our deepest thanks for your unbelievable support. Your dedication and generosity fuels our mission of delivering a first-class pre-hospital emergency medical service to the people of Essex, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas.
“It sounds like a cliché but 25 years have literally flown by!” As we take a moment to pause and look back at our 25th-anniversary summer festivities, we’ve been immersed in so many amazing moments of celebrations and reflection, but every step forward has been made possible by incredible people like you. Whether you support us with regular donations, play our Flight For Life Lottery, participate in exhilarating fundraisers, visit your local EHAAT charity shop or follow us on social media to amplify our message – your collective efforts continue to be the cornerstone of our success. Within this very special edition, you’ll discover a captivating array of stories and features that celebrate our journey, with the spotlight on some of the incredible local people and partner organisations who make it all possible. From the Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS) riders ensuring daily blood replacement to the patients sharing their powerful stories and the many remarkable supporters stepping up to raise vital funds with events and initiatives we could have only dreamt of when our story began – thank you. Our critical care team, comprised of exceptional pilots, doctors and paramedics continue to bring the hospital to the patient when every moment counts. Our volunteers are the embodiment of generosity, passion, and unwavering devotion, consistently stepping up to play a
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vital role in our operation. At the same time, the wider team ensures the seamless operation of various facets of EHAAT. But none of this would be possible without your unwavering commitment and contributions that propel our goal and make a meaningful difference to patients and their families in their time of need. We’re immensely proud of the recent milestones we’ve achieved together. Our ‘outstanding’ CQC rating, the addition of night flying capabilities, and the creation of our Centre for Excellence are all testaments to the progress we’ve made. These big wins are not just our own; they are a reflection of our incredible community. Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Your unwavering support continues to inspire us!
Jane Gurney, CEO
Thank you
A heartfelt
Thank you Thanks to you, EHAAT is celebrating a remarkable 25-year journey. Every advancement or milestone reached has been made possible by the unwavering support of people and businesses across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. We can’t thank you enough for contributing to our mission of saving lives and providing critical care when it matters most. Making a difference together Throughout our quarter-century of service, we have witnessed the power of collective compassion, dedication and generosity. We want to thank each and every one of you, along with our amazing team, including doctors, paramedics, pilots, fundraisers and volunteers who have been a part of the EHAAT family. Behind the scenes, our wider charity team tirelessly works to maintain smooth operations across clinical, aircraft operations, fundraising, retail, communications, finance, and so many other areas. Yet our journey of impact would not be possible without our amazing supporters. Your generous donations,
“I love being a part of this amazing charity. Every situation is unique; it’s about navigating the unpredictable, being there when needed most.” Dr Charlotte Ashworth, Pre-Hospital Care Doctor
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creative fundraising efforts, and words of encouragement fuel our mission and enable us to keep your local lifesaving service operational. In light of this celebration, we feel it’s a fitting moment to take a trip down memory lane and reflect on some of the historic milestones we’ve achieved together. We’ve also cherry-picked nostalgic photos that capture the essence of our story so far!
Our 25 Year Journey... 1997 Essex Air Ambulance officially became a charity. The profound impact of our founder, Brian Shipley, and the dedicated team of paramedics who worked tirelessly alongside him, laid the foundation for us to become the local life-saving charity we are today. 1998 We took our first flight out of New Hall School with a Bölkow 105 DB helicopter carrying one pilot and two paramedics on board. 1999 Essex Air Ambulance began flying seven days a week during daylight hours. We also launched our Motorcycle Run fundraising event, which is still thriving today (see page 12). Extending our operating hours reflected the growing need for pre-hospital care in the region as we
strived to be there for patients and their families in their time of need. 2000 Thanks to the incredible dedication and generosity of our supporters, EHAAT experienced a significant boost in fundraising efforts, which continued to grow, setting the stage for technological advancements and enhanced operational capabilities. 2003 We upgraded our helicopter to the Eurocopter EC135 T2 to provide more efficient and effective critical care. We also opened our first charity shop on Mersea Island, an idea proposed by one of our valued volunteers. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of local supporters, the shop has remained incredibly successful, raising an impressive sum of over £927,000 to support our life-saving mission.
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2007 In 2007, the charity embarked on a new chapter, expanding its horizons to serve Hertfordshire in addition to Essex, officially becoming EHAAT. 2008 The Herts Air Ambulance service, based at North Weald, became operational with an MD902 Explorer taking to the skies. Concurrently, we introduced pre-hospital care doctors to work alongside our critical care paramedics and pilots, whilst RRVs were added to our fleet, further enhancing our pre-hospital care capabilities. 2010 Essex Air Ambulance began flying an MD902 Explorer, the same model as Herts Air Ambulance, enhancing the synergy between our life-saving operations.
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Thank you
2011 As part of our growth, we relocated our Essex operational base from Boreham to Earls Colne, where we proudly opened our first Visitor Centre – thanks to a significant grant from ICAP. The Visitor Centre quickly became a hub for volunteers who generously hosted tours, allowing the community exciting opportunities to learn more about our life-saving work. We also voluntarily registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to ensure the highest quality pre-hospital critical care is delivered to patients. 2014 Our Flight for Life Lottery reached a remarkable milestone: 100,000 weekly players. This incredible level of support not only showcased the lottery’s growing popularity but also the unwavering dedication of the communities we serve. As a crucial source of income, the lottery continues to support our life-saving mission and has raised millions of pounds for our charity – ultimately enabling us to expand our operations, build resilience and advance patient care.
2015 Continuing our trajectory of progress, our headquarters found a new home. The new premises still at Earls Colne Business Park provided us with a solid foundation to streamline our operations and optimise fundraising efforts. We also opened charity shops to strengthen our ties with local communities and foster deeper connections with the people we serve. 2016 We entered a new era of patient care by introducing co-pilots to our highly skilled crew, which freed up capacity for the critical care team. Paramedics could now concentrate entirely on the patient and discuss drugs, equipment and procedures with the pre-hospital care doctors. Recognising the positive impact of our Earls Colne Visitor Centre in fostering community engagement and support, we also opened our North Weald airbase to regular visitors.
a new red and yellow visual identity developed from the existing rotor blade graphic – fusing the two counties into the coherent brand we all cherish today. 2018 Our dedicated team of volunteers grew to over 300. They play a pivotal role in our mission, offering invaluable assistance across many areas. From supporting fundraising initiatives, serving customers in our charity shops and representing EHAAT in the community, their dedication knows no limits. 2019 As part of our commitment to advancing patient care, we introduced blood on board our helicopters and RRVs. Each year, we treat approximately 70 patients in need of a blood transfusion at the scene of an incident. The packed red blood cells and blood plasma are supplied daily by The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow and delivered to our airbases by the incredible Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS) volunteer riders and drivers. Any unused blood is returned to The Princess Alexandra Hospital, ensuring every drop of this precious commodity is used.
2017 As part of our 20th-anniversary celebrations, we combined both services into one unified identity: EHAAT. Our state-of-the-art AW169 aircraft was unveiled at Audley End House and Gardens, adorned with
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Actor Ray Winstone visits the Charity Patient stories Details of our new extended service
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Our service also became operational 24/7 in 2019, using helicopters by day and RRVs in the hours of darkness. Our airbase at Earls Colne was expanded and refurbished, with improved working conditions for our highly skilled crews. 2020 The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted us to adapt the way our charity and clinical staff worked in order to keep patients, volunteers, supporters and staff safe. 2021 Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our new purpose-built North Weald airbase became operational, providing state-of-theart facilities supporting our critical care team’s training and readiness. The Simulation Suite allows for the realistic simulation, debriefing and critique of incident-based scenarios. With advanced features such as high-tech visual projections, sounds and temperature control, our team can engage in ultrarealistic training scenarios. The building was also designed with sustainability at the forefront, as we introduced EV charging points and photovoltaic panels on the roof.
2022 We had the honour of welcoming the Earl and Countess of Wessex to our North Weald airbase in a momentous royal visit. The royal couple toured our new airbase and engaged with EHAAT’s critical care team members, charity staff, volunteers, and valued partner organisations. We also received an outstanding overall rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), in addition to outstanding ratings for all five key areas: safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led. This significant achievement demonstrates the high quality of care provided to patients and local communities across Essex and Hertfordshire.
2023 As we celebrate our quartercentury milestone, we’re thrilled to share another remarkable achievement. We’ve expanded our capabilities to operate in darkness, having successfully completed Night Vision Imaging System training, thus extending our operational period and capabilities.
As we wrapped up a remarkable year, EHAAT won the ‘Innovation of the Year Award’ at Air Ambulance UK’s Awards of Excellence. Our pioneering tool, the Critical Clinical Case Passport, showcased our forward-thinking approach. As a mainstay of training, it ensures our clinicians remain competent in complex critical interventions, such as open chest surgeries, caesarean sections and complex anaesthetic cases in children.
We couldn’t have achieved this quarter-century milestone without the unwavering dedication of our local communities. From donating and fundraising to volunteering and shopping at our charity shops, you continue to make a huge impact. Thank you for being a part of our journey and for your ongoing support. Together, we will continue to advance pre-hospital care, build stronger communities, and create a brighter future for all.
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We continue shaping exciting plans to improve patient experience and outcomes. We recently outlined the vision for our Centre for Excellence, which will create a world-leading community through which prehospital care is developed to achieve the best possible outcomes for all patients.
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Ken’s Story “It’s the fact that I got to the hospital so quickly that I’m here today”
On the fateful day of 1st March 1999, Ken Bailey’s life took an unexpected turn while trimming a tall hedge next to his home in Blackmore. Little did he know that this routine garden maintenance on a rather gloomy Monday would lead him to become one of our first patients. Ken said: “I was up on a quite tall hedge, probably about 10 feet high. The surrounding trees had been cut down to a certain level, so I was walking on their trunks while trimming. Suddenly, I had this strong feeling something was wrong. My heart started racing, and I felt intense pain. I quickly climbed down the ladder onto the muddy field next to my home and then collapsed.” In his moment of distress, horses in the field came to his side, nudging him “as if they sensed his predicament”. At this moment, his wife Pam saw him on the ground and sprang into action, taking down a fence panel to make it across the muddy field where Ken lay. Pam called for an ambulance, however, due to the challenging terrain, the ambulance crew couldn’t carry Ken across the field on a stretcher. The control manager called for Essex Air Ambulance, who arrived via the Bölkow 105 DB helicopter. “There was a pilot and two paramedics. As they fired up the helicopter, it was so noisy. All I can remember is it starting, and then I must have blacked out.” Ken woke up shortly afterwards, learning it only took four minutes to get to the old King Edward School Playing Fields, where he was transferred to an ambulance. During the ambulance journey, Ken suffered a cardiac arrest but thanks to the quick actions of the ambulance crew, he was rushed to the Resus Room at Broomfield Hospital as swiftly 8
as possible for chest compressions and further treatment. “It’s the fact that I got to the hospital so quickly by the helicopter and land ambulance that I’m here today. If more time had passed before I received medical attention, I might not have made it. And then, I recovered in the hospital for 21 days. I remember coming out, going home and deciding I really need to have a walk!” Ken’s resilience and determination shone through during his hospital stay. Gradually, with the support of the medical team and through his own willpower, he made strides in his recovery journey. Though his walk home from the village centre took much longer than usual, Ken was unwavering in his determination. As days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, Ken’s strength grew, and he found himself alive and thriving against all odds. Ken now 88 years old visits his cardiologist, the doctors and nurses marvel at his survival and longevity,
having surpassed the ten-year mark that very few cardiac arrest survivors achieve. As we celebrate 25 years of EHAAT, we cherish stories like Ken’s, which remind us of our supporters’ vital role in helping their local lifesaving charity be there for those who need us most. We recently reunited with Ken after our CEO Jane Gurney received a heartwarming letter from Pam. Together, they toured the airbase and met some of our pilots, doctors and paramedics. Ken and Pam have remained devoted supporters, regularly sending in donations and playing our Flight For Life Lottery to show their appreciation for the team’s life-saving work. Pam said: “Our grandaughter, who’s now 34 years old, still saves all of her coins and fills up a jar as a thank you for saving her grandad’s life. It makes us all count our blessings. Reminisces are very important – we all need to look back to look forward.”
Thank You, Albert Cook Ink-redible pen collector and longtime EHAAT supporter EHAAT expresses our sincere gratitude to the amazing, thoughtful and generous Albert Cooke, who recently passed away, aged 79 leaving his entire 13,000-strong pen collection to his local life-saving charity. For over three decades, Albert collected pens from around the world, with a helping hand from his wife, Janet. His collection grew by the thousands, featuring promotional pens from sports clubs, small businesses, large firms and organisations from as far as Australia. Albert’s passion for pen collecting made the local headlines numerous times, and we are deeply thankful to be his chosen charity, receiving a remarkable, lasting legacy in the form of his generous donation. Carmel Hudson, EHAAT’s Lottery Manager, said: “Albert was a true gentleman and having spoken with his wife Janet, it’s clear to see how much he was loved. He pursued his passion and developed one of the largest pen collections whilst supporting his local life-saving charity. We are so grateful for his thoughtfulness in leaving this incredible donation as we celebrate his life and legacy, and our thoughts remain with his loved ones.” One in 10 of EHAAT’s missions are funded by Gifts in Wills, ensuring advanced pre-hospital care can be given when it is needed most. You can learn more on our website, where you’ll also discover our free Will writing partners, who can help make this process as simple as possible. A gift in your Will won’t cost you anything now but will enable care for future generations. Please contact HMRC or an Independent Financial Advisor for advice on Inheritance Tax.
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Thank you
In the Spotlight:
Essex Blood Runners Heroic Support for EHAAT’s Critical Missions
Every day, as the sun sets, an extraordinary team of volunteers take to the roads to carry out a crucial mission and support our critical care teams. Essex Voluntary Blood Service (EVBS) make daily deliveries of blood in special cool boxes to our airbases in Earls Colne and North Weald. Each box has a data logger that indicates whether the temperature has risen beyond safe limits. If unused, the blood is returned to the donation system for use elsewhere, preventing any wastage.
patients with significant bleeding and blood loss. The early transfusion significantly reduces the time lost in taking patients to hospitals to receive blood, which has been a lifechanging intervention for many. Ken Smith has been a blood runner for EVBS for seven years, and he paints a vivid picture of his daily journeys to each of our airbases.
Also known as Essex Blood Runners, EVBS members go above and beyond to ensure a safe and continuous supply of life-saving blood products for EHAAT whilst also delivering blood, breast milk, and essential medical supplies to many hospitals throughout Essex. Since launching Blood On Board in March 2019, both airbases have received timely blood deliveries and collections. This significant advancement ensures that our helicopters and RRVs carry lifesaving blood supplies on board, enhancing patient care. The team of blood runners make it possible for our critical care team to carry out transfusions at the scene of incidents, potentially saving lives for 10
“On a good run, it’s just over 80 miles. I arrive at Princess Alexandra Hospital and pick up two boxes; one for North Weald and one for Earls Colne. I make my way to the North Weald airbase to deliver their box just before 10pm. Then I’ll head straight up the M11, if it’s open, to get to Earls Colne before 11pm to drop off their box and collect the old one before heading back to Princess Alexandra Hospital around midnight. We’ve covered every vampire run – those urgent missions that demand our immediate response – and every prescription run. Our members have a profound devotion and commitment to our cause, knowing the impact of our efforts can be the difference between life and death.” At the heart of EVBS is the remarkable leadership of Carol Weller, the Chair Lady and Trustee of EVBS. With a passion for making a difference, Carol is pivotal in guiding their efforts to provide crucial support to EHAAT and many NHS hospitals.
Laurie Phillipson, EHAAT’s Clinical Academic Fellow, said: “I think what’s most remarkable is that they’ve never failed. EVBS members have been so consistent, working unsocial hours in all weather conditions to ensure we can continue carrying blood on board. Even with ‘Operation Vampire’, when it’s completely unplanned, they have always found a way. For a group of volunteers, I think that is absolutely exceptional. We’re incredibly proud of their wonderful work and can’t thank them enough for their continued support for our critical missions.” Looking to the future, Essex Blood Runners are hoping to expand their services. They are actively seeking more volunteers to join their ranks and help ensure a safe and continuous supply of blood products and other essential supplies for EHAAT and NHS hospitals throughout Essex.
If you want to learn more about Essex Blood Runners, we encourage you to visit their website: essexvoluntarybloodservice.com, where you can read more about their heroic work and register your interest.
Andy’s Story
“I just feel incredibly grateful to everyone involved.” On Monday 16th May 2022, Andy Prindiville, Head Teacher of St Gregory’s Catholic Science College in Brent, began his journey via the tube to a work conference in London when he suddenly collapsed, suffering injuries to his nose and eye. Little did he know, this bizarre experience would soon be followed by an even more shocking, life-threatening incident that would shake him to his core and profoundly impact his loved ones.
Her early intervention bought valuable time for EEAST crew members to arrive at the scene. Their team continued CPR and administered a shock to restart Andy’s heart. The crews handed over care to EHAAT’s pre-hospital care doctor Dr Rachel Harding and critical care paramedic Jakob Humphrey who arrived via helicopter. Impressed by the actions of Rebecca and EEAST crews, critical care paramedic Jakob Humphrey stated:
As Andy woke the following day, he “felt so dreadful he intended to take the entire morning off work and go in at lunchtime”, which was a rarity. Alongside his head teaching duties, Andy also works as CEO of the All Saints’ Trust, overseeing multiple schools across the area. “I couldn’t tell you that the last time I had time off work. When I called my wife Sarah on Tuesday morning before her shift (as an ITU sister), she said she had a dreadful feeling about me. Moments later, I blacked out, and my daughter Becca (16) lifted me onto the floor. Fortunately, she hadn’t yet left for college, so she was still in the house. She usually has these great big headphones on, but luckily didn’t on this particular day.” Upon finding her dad unresponsive, she called 999 on the landline and remained connected to her mum on Andy’s mobile phone. Rebecca administered high-quality chest compressions for approximately 10 minutes – following the guidance from the emergency call handler – having never attempted CPR previously.
“They did an amazing job getting Andy’s heart restarted before we arrived. After assessing him, we decided to perform a pre-hospital emergency anaesthetic, a procedure normally found in the hospital. We did this to protect Andy’s brain and heart, and give him the best chance of a full recovery.” Dr Rachel Harding called Sarah and updated her on Andy’s situation. Sarah, who was working in ITU, then rushed home from work. As Andy’s pulse returned, Rachel and Jakob decided he would benefit from going straight to a specialist heart attack centre, with Harefield being the closest.
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Before EHAAT’s critical care team left the scene, Andy’s wife arrived, and Rachel and Jakob were able to give them a brief moment to explain what had happened. As Andy later woke in the hospital, he was disoriented and confused about what had happened. “I can’t remember anything one week before or after the incident, but initially, I just couldn’t get my head around it. I run five nights a week, don’t smoke, have low blood pressure, a good diet and a really low resting heart rate. I’ve moved away from that now, and I’m just very, very lucky to be here. You know, if any one of those things had not panned out as they did on the Tuesday, I would’ve died or been brain damaged. I just feel incredibly grateful to everyone involved, from Rebecca’s quick thinking to the response from the ambulance crew, EHAAT, Harefield and all of the amazing aftercare and support.” Andy was recently invited to tour EHAAT’s North Weald airbase with his family, where he reunited with the EEAST and EHAAT crew members. “The technology is amazing – from the training facilities to the helicopters, visitor centre and beautiful reception. I almost had this vision a helicopter would take off, drop you at the hospital and then come back to base. But obviously, there’s so much more than that, with so many people involved. It was lovely to meet the team and be able to say thank you.” Reflecting on Andy’s base visit, Jakob said the reunion was a “brilliant example of the chain of survival, and fantastic to see his amazing recovery”.
Thank you
Thousands turn out
for our annual motorcycle run and fun day
In a roaring show of support for EHAAT, over 2,000 bikes participated in our annual Motorcycle Run and Fun Day on 10th September 2023. The flagship event attracted over 4,000 attendees and raised over £25,000 – a testament to the enduring spirit of our biker community and the general public who turned out in full force. This year, for the first time, the run started from our North Weald airbase, with Essex Police playing a vital role in its success, escorting riders and supervising the temporary closure of the joining routes to ensure the safety of the public and all those involved. Supported by the charity’s long-term partner, global logistics company Woodland Group, the day saw riders travel the 60-mile route along the A414, the A12, and the A120, before crossing the finish line at the Quay in Harwich, where they were greeted by local dignitaries, spectators and air ambulance crew, staff and supporters. We were thrilled to welcome Radio Essex presenter Martin Day to the event as he led the convoy of riders to Harwich, before joining fellow presenter Paul Jason, in co-hosting the Family Fun Day taking place on The Green, where there was something for everyone, including
games, exhibitors, refreshments and live music from local bands Surfquake and The Vicounts. Emma Barker, Head of Income Generation at EHAAT, was delighted with the response from bikers and members of the public. “This year, we are celebrating 25 years of running our free life-saving emergency medical service, delivering advanced clinical care usually seen only in the hospital emergency department. Bikers are a really key supporter group to us, partly because they are aware of how important the air ambulance service is. The event has once again proved to be a great day to get together with so many of the biking community; to thank them, and to raise awareness about the life-saving work we do as a charity.” As well as Woodland Group, this year’s event t-shirt sponsors included Colchester Kawasaki, Hythe Hill Motorcycles, Pass Bike, Brayleys, and Templant.
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Mile by Mile, Making a Difference: The Motorcycle Run’s Impactful Journey Our flagship fundraising event has a rich history, with thousands of bikers across Essex and Hertfordshire rallying behind EHAAT every year. The Motorcycle Run (MCR) is a cherished community day in our calendar, but the event has been built on a profound connection with the local biker community, who know how crucial it is to keep our free pre-hospital emergency medical service operational.
MCR brings together EHAAT’s dedicated crew, staff, volunteers and supporters – all working together to raise vital funds and boost awareness of our life-saving work. From the very first motorcycle run that set off from Boreham Airfield to the many rides from Ford Dunton to Harwich, we’ve shared unforgettable moments through the years. In 2004, we welcomed renowned Canadian rock star and photographer Bryan Adams to the stage, while the 2006 MCR saw glamour model and avid biker Jodie Marsh riding alongside thousands whilst raising vital funds and awareness for her local life-saving charity. In 2016, we were blessed with another standout year as visitors
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were treated to a thrilling performance by Britain’s Got Talent motorcycle stunt riders Bolddog FMX, whilst this year’s ride from North Weald airbase once again brought together thousands of bikers from all generations. As we look forward to another year of roaring engines in 2024, the Motorcycle Run and Family Fun Day continues to show that it’s always ‘full throttle’ when it comes to making a meaningful impact on local communities, helping EHAAT continue to be there for patients and their families in their hour of need.
Thank you
Strictly Air Ambulance Shimmies to Success Strictly Air Ambulance 2023 raised almost £20,000 in front of a sell-out crowd at Charter Hall in Colchester for EHAAT.
Champions 2023 were PGA Professional at Ipswich Golf Club, Ryan Wingate, and qualified teaching professional, Crystal Main, who owns Feather Steps Dance Academy.
Hosted for the first time by EHAAT’s Celebrity Ambassador, Lisa Snowdon, alongside ITV Presenter David Whiteley, over 800 people gathered on 25th March 2023 to watch five contestants and their professional partners give it their all on the dance floor. The audience was also treated to spectacular performances by celebrity professional dancers Pasha Kovalev and Chloe Hewitt, beloved stars from the famous Strictly Come Dancing TV show.
Ryan was delighted to win the Judges’ vote and said: “If anybody gets a chance to take part in this event, then they should. I have hugely enjoyed the experience, and I am really going to miss dancing with Crystal, who has been an amazing teacher and dancing partner.”
Pasha and Chloe also formed part of the judging panel, joining EHAAT CEO Jane Gurney, Pro Latin dancer Ben Milan Vega, and head judge Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre. Sponsored by TC Group and Roomes Furniture, the show followed the same familiar format as the popular TV show, with each couple performing a latin and ballroom routine. The friendly competition saw a high level of dancing from all the couples taking part, and the winners lifting the glitter ball trophy and the title of Strictly Air Ambulance
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Crystal added: “As a professional, I’ve always wanted to lift the glitter ball trophy, and I got to do it with Ryan for this amazing charity and event. He has been a model student from start to finish and was an absolute pleasure to teach. I’m glad that my Strictly Air Ambulance experience was with him.” EHAAT’s CEO, Jane Gurney, who opened the show dancing with choreographer and fellow judge, Ben Milan Vega, said: “As one of our highest profile events, Strictly Air Ambulance is an important fundraiser for us. So far, we have raised an impressive £19,430, however the overall total is still increasing as people continue to donate, which we are very grateful for”.
13 Tremendous Twirls of Strictly Air Ambulance Strictly Air Ambulance has become
much more than a cherished annual tradition; the glitzy annual event reflects EHAAT’s growing community support in what has been a sensational 13-year story. Lovingly hailed ‘one of the jewels in our event crown’ by EHAAT’s CEO, Jane Gurney, Strictly Air Ambulance stemmed from a fateful encounter and a ‘brilliant idea’ that has evolved to become one of our most eagerly awaited dates in the events calendar. Jane said: “The idea came from a work event I’d attended with Phil Meacham, a former professional dancer – now head judge – and another colleague from that time, Simone. Phil had a simple yet brilliant
notion: ‘I run a dance school, you run a charity. We should do a Strictly event.’ That was 13 years ago when the TV show had already made its mark – people had the dancing bug. It was so positive for the entire EHAAT family, and it perfectly matched everything we wanted.” One of the first challenges for Jane and the executive team was securing permission from the BBC to create a version of the show, aptly named “Strictly Air Ambulance.” Thankfully, the BBC agreed, and a brilliant concept soon had a brand. The next hurdle was finding dancers, both professionals and contestants. It wasn’t easy, but Jane and her team persevered, driven by their belief in the positive impact the event could have in terms of raising awareness and vital funds, while building even closer connections with dedicated supporters.
We’ve been blessed to have many magnificent Strictly moments through the years, and to some, it may only feel like yesterday when we had the infectious energy of X Factor finalists Two Shoes lighting up the dance floor at The Brentwood Centre in 2013. Who can forget the sensational moves of TV’s dance stars Giovanni Pernice and Joanne Clifton in 2016? EHAAT also celebrated Strictly Air Ambulance’s 10-year anniversary in 2019 at Colchester’s Charter Hall – a year when our very own Critical Care Paramedic, James Mullett, danced his way to victory, dazzling celebrity judges Neil and Katya Jones. These moments encapsulate the enduring spirit of Strictly. It’s a celebration that goes beyond the dance floor, echoing the charity’s mission of bringing the hospital to the patient, delivering a first-class pre-hospital emergency medical service across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Phil had a simple yet brilliant notion:
“I run a dance school, you run a charity. We should do a Strictly event.”
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Thank you
Jane Gurney: Two Decades of Inspirational Leadership at EHAAT There’s a famous saying: “We do not remember days, we remember moments”. For our CEO, Jane Gurney, this special edition of Flight For Life magazine is all about looking at how far the charity has come and the many exciting future plans. But as the charity celebrates a quarter century of service, Jane is also celebrating a huge milestone – two decades at EHAAT. One of Jane’s pivotal moments unfolded in the lobby of Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford – it’s where her journey with EHAAT began. “I heard paramedics talking about this ‘flying ambulance.’ I thought it was absolutely amazing and so inspirational. At the time, there wasn’t a job, but I quickly knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. What Essex Air Ambulance desperately needed was income. They had many ideas, but paramedics weren’t the people to create the funding streams. As I was used to talking to clients, managing sponsorship and building brands, I was thrilled to be offered the role of business development manager.” Jane’s passion for making a difference in people’s lives was the driving force that led her to the charity sector. Little did she know this initial step would pave the way for an extraordinary 20-year journey dedicated to expanding and continually improving pre-hospital care for patients and families in their time of need.
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As the longest-serving CEO in the UK air ambulance sector, Jane made significant contributions as a Director for the Association of Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) from 2013 to 2019. From 2016 to 2020, she served as a trustee on AAUK’s board, offering her expertise and support to 21 air ambulances across the country. Last summer, Jane received an honorary degree from the University of Essex for her dedication to expanding and improving pre-hospital care for those in need. She’s part of an inspiring list of over 300 people who, since 1967, have been recognised by the University for their contribution to the local community. Her leadership has been instrumental in the remarkable growth and success of EHAAT – from a small air ambulance operation in Essex with just six staff to a local life-saving charity that has carried out over 31,472 missions across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas, touching countless lives in the process. Under her stewardship, the charity recently achieved an “outstanding”
rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and EHAAT has since outlined its vision for the Centre for Excellence, which will create a world-leading community through which pre-hospital care is developed to achieve the best possible outcomes for all patients. For Jane, every milestone represents a significant step forward for our local communities, ensuring the charity can continue to be there for people in their hour of need. “I am always striving to do more, and I count myself so lucky to have found a job I truly love. When I’m fortunate enough to meet patients and their families, it brings home the real importance of our work. I want to thank everyone who has been on this incredible journey with me – it has been an amazing privilege to be part of this very special charity. Myself and the team look forward to many more rewarding years ahead.” “It was an honour to have been shortlisted for the Essex Countywide Business Awards Business Person of the Year Award, along with such inspirational nominees. I would like to personally congratulate Michelle Morris from Ellacott Morris for winning this prestigious accolade.”
“It has been amazing to see the Trust programme grow.” Aderyn’s Two Decades of Dedication The journey to becoming EHAAT’s trust fundraising trailblazer In June 2003, Aderyn was working as a Marketing Manager for a publisher in London when she came across an advert in her local paper for a Special Projects Manager at Essex Air Ambulance. The role combined communications and PR with a focus on growing the charity’s number of volunteers. “I’d heard about the work of the air ambulance and its mission to help those in what would likely be their greatest time of need, and I immediately knew that I wanted to be involved in such an inspirational and worthwhile cause.” At the time, the charity had one air ambulance and shared an airbase with the Police Air Service at Boreham. The team was small and the facilities were modest; Aderyn fondly recalls the time she had to walk outside to a different building to fax a press release. Yet, even in those early days, the commitment and camaraderie of the team were unmistakable. “The passion, dedication and drive to move forward was present even then and has been a constant thread throughout the past twenty years. It was an honour to join that small team in 2003, and it remains a privilege to play my part and work alongside everyone at EHAAT today.”
Aderyn’s roles and responsibilities evolved over the years. Before long she became Communications Manager purely focussing on the charity’s communication strategy, press relations and was also the editor of this magazine! As EHAAT began to expand Aderyn was immersed in a series of crucial projects. “I undertook the task of coordinating the design, build and launch of the charity’s very first purpose-built website designed to dramatically raise the profile of the charity, enabling the team to communicate with supporters and volunteers as well as raise funds more effectively.” As Aderyn welcomed her son to the world in 2006 and her daughter in 2009, the bustling pace of her role at EHAAT found its parallel in those early years of parenthood, which necessitated a transition in her role. She focused her efforts on special projects, including the establishment of the charity’s public access defibrillator (PAD) project, ensuring the availability of PADs outside all EHAAT premises. She also developed systems for managing corporate sponsorships, an area in which she continues to support the Income Generation team. Today, Aderyn is EHAAT’s Trusts and Special Projects Manager, responsible for creating a Trust Fundraising programme from scratch. She has not only built a vital revenue stream,
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but also developed longstanding relationships with local and national Trusts and Foundations, Parish and Town Councils and County Councils across both Essex and Hertfordshire. “It has been amazing to see the Trust programme grow. Over the years, we’ve been privileged to receive fantastic support, including a grant from the UPS Foundation that paid for the purchase of one of our first RRVs, 1.5million from the Libor fund towards the purchase of the first AW169 and 1.5 million towards the construction of our new North Weald airbase. Local support also helps us to remain operational and enables us to purchase vital equipment like miniature ultrasound scanners, defibrillators and state-of-the-art training manikins.” When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of her two-decade journey with EHAAT, a warm smile lights up. “The people and the variety,” Aderyn enthused. “The work I do touches all departments across the charity, and it truly is the case that no day is ever the same. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some remarkable patients, fundraisers and volunteers, and have worked with many amazing people over the years, past and present, some of whom have become treasured friends.”
Thank you
Laurie Phillipson Celebrates 21 Years of Service As EHAAT celebrates its 25th anniversary, there is another remarkable milestone within the charity. Laurie Phillipson, our Clinical Academic Fellow, surpasses 21 years of service. Throughout his journey at EHAAT, Laurie has held various roles, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the charity’s mission and the critical role it plays in saving lives across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. Laurie’s EHAAT story began in 2002 when he joined as a flight paramedic before moving into the role of a critical care paramedic in 2008 – the same year EHAAT introduced pre-hospital care doctors to work alongside paramedics and pilots. Laurie said this marked a ‘significant turning point’ in the charity’s journey. “The inclusion of doctors and the implementation of a dedicated
clinical governance package was a transformative step that elevated clinical expertise and ensured that learning from each call informed the care of the next patient.” Despite having other potential avenues to explore within the ambulance service, such as management, working in urgent care, or joining the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), he remained focused on HEMS. Subsequently, in 2014, Laurie became EHAAT’s Clinical Manager, drawing upon his experience and skills to accelerate advancements in clinical practices and foster training and development within the charity. “I always wanted to deliver the best possible care for patients, and that, for me, was always going to be in association with the air ambulance. That interested me the most. I’ve always been involved in education and have taken a lot of pleasure in
“I always wanted to deliver the best possible care for patients.” 18
seeing other people develop. That has stayed with me, and has certainly been a massive part of my role for the last 21 years with EHAAT.” Laurie is embarking on a new academic pursuit, undertaking a PhD to further his knowledge and expertise. As a Clinical Academic Fellow, he will combine his passion for clinical development with academic research, further enhancing the impact of his work in the pre-hospital care community. Reflecting on the best part of his job over the past two decades, Laurie’s eyes light up: “I love being patient-facing. When you’ve done a really complex job and you’ve got somebody who’s presented a challenge on multiple levels, but then you hear that they’ve had a really successful outcome – that’s the best!”
volunteers, but as we increased awareness of our work and our life-saving mission grew, so did the EHAAT family. By the end of 2004, the charity had over 120 volunteers and jump forward to today, we’re lucky to have an army of over 450 volunteers.
Vision 23: Uniting for an even bigger and brighter future We were thrilled to welcome 56 of our dedicated volunteers to Vision 23 at our North Weald airbase, where the Executive Team shared insights into the charity’s exciting future plans. It was a day filled with camaraderie, reflection and discussion, but it was also a time to honour some of our amazing volunteers who have been with us for over a decade. Jane Gurney and Volunteer Manager, Jane Morton proudly presented long service awards to Malcolm Davies and Sean Russell, who were recognised for their remarkable 15 years of service, while Suzanne Harvey and Clive Martin received their 10-year awards, and the executive team also extended their gratitude to Peter Hennessey, who collected a 10-year award on behalf of Michael Hennessey. Amid the day’s events, volunteers came together to watch a heartfelt thank you video from Ray Winstone, followed by a networking lunch, which fostered connections among volunteers, crew members and the extended team.
Where Passion Meets Purpose: Our Vibrant Community of 450 Volunteers When Essex Air Ambulance first took flight, we were backed by a dozen
As we headed through 2023, we continued to build upon a great sense of unity and purpose, in part, thanks to the Volunteer Forum Group, led by Chair Sue Williams, who is deeply passionate about the charity’s work and does a fantastic job representing the whole volunteer team. Looking back, this incredible quarter-century journey has highlighted the growth of our volunteer force through the years but also the evolving and diverse roles they’ve embraced, as emphasised by Jane Morton. “Our thriving community of volunteers have adapted to new roles and challenges, truly embodying the spirit of our mission. From manning our reception desks to offering a helping hand in our shops to those who are always ready to support our events – they all play a pivotal role in their local communities. We also have dedicated volunteers who regularly host captivating Visitor Centre tours at our Earls Colne and North Weald airbases, give talks in local schools, look after collection tin rounds, and help us raise vital funds during our bucket collections. Volunteers are amazing people brought together for a common goal, and we are actively looking for more support for some of these roles. See www.ehaat.org/ volunteer for more information.
Shining the spotlight on three spectacular volunteers Val Jones: Speaking of remarkable contributions, let’s shine a spotlight on one of our stars, Val Jones. Our editorial team recently took a journey down memory lane, revisiting older editions of Flight For Life magazine. Back in 2013, we gave a well-deserved shoutout to Val for her outstanding
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efforts in raising nearly £5,000 from her open garden event. It’s with immense joy and pride that we feature Val once more for a truly remarkable milestone: over £100,000 raised to date! Through her open gardens and plant sales, Val is a testament to the incredible impact our volunteers and supporters can make! Di Leggett: We also want to express our sincere thanks to Di Leggett for dedicating nearly two decades to EHAAT. A regular face at our Earls Colne office, her journey began with a profound personal connection, witnessing the life-saving work of air ambulance services. Di has consistently gone above and beyond. From helping in the office every week, managing collection tins and crafting beautiful bouquets for major fundraising events like Strictly Air Ambulance, she’s an inspiration to us all. Kate Hufton : Whether Kate is hosting Visitor Centre tours, talking at school assemblies, carrying out reception duties or volunteering in our Buntingford charity shop, she lifts those around her, fostering a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond staff and volunteers. As Buntingford Shop Manager Sarah Malin attests, Kate has been a pillar of “reliability, community and warmth” over the past three years, truly embodying the impact a passionate individual can make within their local air ambulance charity.
Thank you
Steve Dukes’ Unwavering Fundraising Journey: In May 2020, a tragic incident unfolded when Charlie Dukes lost his life in a cycling accident. He was on his way to a nearby farm to collect sticks for his beloved garden vegetable patch – a journey he had taken many times. Unfortunately, despite the dedicated efforts of the EHAAT team and hospital staff, Charlie was unable to complete this journey. His injuries proved too severe, and he passed away five days later without regaining consciousness. However, his son Steve, his brother John, and his wife Jill found some solace in knowing that everything possible had been done to assist Charlie that day, thanks to the collaborative efforts of EEAST and EHAAT. They remember Charlie as a man who would “light up any room” – full of energy with an unbridled love for life. As Steve recalls: “He was a very fit man. We used to go to the gym together, he used to cycle from London to Brighton, or London to Cambridge – just so active.” It left the whole family with a void that seemed impossible to fill. Steve holds deep gratitude for the swift response and essential care provided by EHAAT on that fateful day.
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fundraising match at Bishop’s Stortford FC, Steve has not only increased awareness of our work but through two auctions and a match has raised over £140,000 for EHAAT – with plans for another fundraising football match in 2024.
“The air ambulance’s assistance meant that even though he passed away, I was able to hold his hand, talk to him, and be with him during his time in the hospital. It’s an experience that stays with you.” It was this profound moment that ignited Steve’s unwavering commitment to honouring his father’s memory. Outside of his busy role working as Tottenham Hotspur’s kitman, Steve decided to channel his grief into something positive, raising vital funds for EHAAT to remain operational. As he embarked on this journey, he felt empowered, as if his dad was right there beside him. With every cherished piece of sporting memorabilia sold at his high-profile auctions, and every football legend stepping up to help sell out the unforgettable Tottenham Hotspur
“It feels like Dad’s here with me.” Asked how his father would react to the incredible outpouring of support for the fundraising efforts, Steve said: “Probably something along the lines of ‘don’t cause all this fuss just for me,’ but at the same time, he’d definitely be humbled by efforts of everyone involved. I still think it’s surreal that he’s not with us. At times, it does scare me, but that’s why I’ve decided to do the charity work I do. “Simply because it feels like when I’m doing it, he’s doing it with me. He and my mum were soulmates, and he truly loved life. He enjoyed the simple pleasures like good food, a pint, and holidays, but his sheer presence would brighten up a room. Every memory I have of him motivates me to keep pushing myself in fundraising. It’s a way to keep his spirit alive.”
S AT U R DAY
9 MARCH 7.00 PM
Brentwood Centre
with celebrity judges
Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington and hosts
Lisa Snowdon and David Whiteley Join us for this spectacular evening of dance and entertainment to raise vital funds for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.
Scan the QR code or visit ehaat.org/strictly to book your tickets now!
Interested in sponsoring this event? Please email
corporate@ehaat.org to find out more!
We Can’t Fly Without You Written by Rosie Waspe, PersonalPoems.co.uk In times of crisis and emergency, accident or urgent need Our team is equipped for saving lives and travelling at speed. EHAAT is your local life-saving charity And we’re ready for dispatch thanks to your generosity! Our pre-hospital clinical care is CQC-rated Outstanding We care for patients at the scene, in transit and post-landing! Our RRVs can access patients in bad weather And we support NHS colleagues by working quickly altogether. The Air Ambulances can reach patients without navigating traffic We treat 1000’s of patients yearly, across each county and demographic. Our services are free of charge to those requiring care And it is thanks to your donations we can continue to be there. Per year it costs £9 million to keep us in the skies To cover costs for staffing, fuel and medical supplies. We rely entirely on donations and legacy gifts in wills And our army of volunteers whose efforts help us pay the bills Therefore, we are sincerely grateful for your support and kind donations Which will help to keep us in the skies for future generations. So, we extend our heartfelt thanks from all the staff, medics and crew Because, in our own words, we can’t fly without you.
Calling All Heroes Among Us
YOU are the heartbeat of our life-saving missions, and we want to share why your regular giving is invaluable. It takes over £750,000 every month (£9 million a year) to keep our helicopters flying and our missions alive. But it’s your consistent support that transforms these numbers into life-changing realities. As a Regular Giving supporter, you become the backbone of our cause. Your steady contributions empower
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us to plan, equip, and deliver our first-class pre-hospital emergency medical care to Essex, Hertfordshire, and beyond. YOU are the reason we can respond swiftly when seconds matter.
Your dedication is transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary rescues. Visit ehaat.org today to see the impact you’re making and continue being the HERO this community relies on.
Every pound counts, and a commitment of just £6 a month is a beacon of stability. It’s not just a donation; it’s a lifeline that your support makes possible. Ensuring Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is there for you, your friends or family in their hour of need.
Your Regular Giving Saves Lives. Be a HERO. To join Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s Regular Giving supporters visit www.ehaat.org/regulargiving
You are the reason our helicopters are symbols of hope. So, to our incredible supporters, THANK YOU!
“You never know when you might need the service!” Michael Slowe (Regular Giving supporter).
Our 12th Aeromedical Conference and Counting: Extrication Takes Centre Stage Over 400 delegates attended our annual Aeromedical Conference at Ford Dunton Technical Centre on 7th June 2023, marking our highest attendance. Sponsored by Ford, Leonardo Helicopters and Philips, this year’s theme was ‘Extrication’, highlighting the collaborative efforts involved in rescuing and extracting patients trapped in road traffic collisions. With a series of insightful talks, case studies and presentations, we heard from respected speakers across pre-hospital care and rescue disciplines. Elizabeth Box, Research Director at the RAC Foundation, discussed road safety performance, while Rob Fenwick, a Consultant Nurse and Co-Founder of the EXIT (Extrication in Trauma) Project, delivered a comprehensive overview of past, present, and future extrication techniques. We welcomed Operations Director at Devon Air Ambulance Nigel Hare to the stage as he shared a case study on multi-vehicle road traffic collisions. The day also featured Adrian Richardson, Station Manager at Essex County Fire & Rescue, who
showcased insightful videos guiding the audience through essential relocation techniques. Micky Bhasin, sub-officer of the Transport Liaison Group and Drone Team at the London Fire Brigade, highlighted the risks posed to first responders by lithium batteries in Electric Emergency Patient Vehicles (EEPVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), whilst breakout sessions allowed attendees to delve deeper into specific topics. EHAAT’s Dr Kat Baird and Critical Care Paramedic Ben Finbow joined Dale Willings, Incident Command Lead at Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, to share a compelling case study on life-threatening entrapment that provided valuable insights into their collaborative efforts. Their comprehensive analysis served as a catalyst for enhancing future rescue operations and emphasised the importance of reflecting on previous incidents and experiences. The trio were followed by Mark Fraser, Detective Inspector from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Essex Police, who provided insights into attending fatal road traffic collisions and the subsequent investigations, whilst Kevin May, Detective Sergeant
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at Essex Police, detailed the critical role of Family Liaison Officers. Over a decade of collaboration, discovery and growth EHAAT’s Aeromedical Conference has evolved to embrace more specialised areas of pre-hospital care. From the early days at The Essex Golf and Country Club in Earls Colne, where we delved into themes such as Trauma, Paediatric Care, and Logistical Challenges (2009), to the inspiring years at Anglia Ruskin University in 2015 and 2016, the event has grown year-on-year in terms of reach, visitor numbers and impact. The Aeromedical conference was crowned winner of “Innovation of The Year” in 2017 with the subject of “Minds Matter”, exploring mental health, stress and PTSD in the prehospital environment, whilst the 10th anniversary of our conference took place in 2019, as Alex Beresford, TV Presenter and Anti-knife Crime Campaigner, gave a very personal and in-depth insight into knife crime in the UK. This year, we were thrilled to welcome a record-breaking number of attendees to the Ford Dunton Technical Centre, and we’re putting exciting plans in place for 2024.
Thank you
25 Years of Impact: How Patients Inspire Our Path Throughout our quarter-century journey, the core of our mission has always been the patients we serve. At every step, we’ve strived to continually improve patient outcomes and deliver the highest possible standards of pre-hospital clinical care. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) teams at EHAAT have been called out to over 22,700 flying missions including patients involved in road traffic accidents or other traumatic road traffic accidents such as significant falls, assaults, or industrial accidents. The team has also responded to many medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, life-threatening sepsis, or devastating strokes. All patients attended by our HEMS teams receive advanced critical care, usually only available in a hospital setting.
As patients have gone on to recover, relationships with EHAAT have continued and strengthened, with many ex-patients, their friends and family going on to support the charity, either through fundraising, volunteering or simply sharing their story, such as that of Ken Bailey (see page 8). As one of the charity’s earliest patients, Ken recently visited our North Weald airbase during a special patient and family day. The event brought together patient families, staff, and our EHAAT family to share their next steps and celebrate our 25year anniversary, inspiring those still recovering from traumatic injuries and medical incidents.
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a listening ear, to coordinating care and answering questions, we strive to ensure every patient and their family feels supported and informed every step of the way.
Dr Tony Joy, EHAAT’s Interim Medical Director, offered his perspective on the charity’s journey so far, and what it means to patients and the communities we serve across Essex and Hertfordshire. “We cherish patients and their stories, which remind us of the vital role our supporters play in helping their local life-saving charity be there for those, in our communities, who need us on what is probably the worst day of their lives. They highlight not only the crucial role of bystanders in critical moments but also our partnerships with EEAST and local hospitals, all working together to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. However, it’s our patients and their families who truly inspire us the most, motivating us to continue delivering our life-saving service today and into the future.”
Continuing Care: Our Patient & Family Liason Team EHAAT’s efforts extend far beyond our initial response, where we bring the hospital to the patient in their hour of need. Through the dedicated efforts of our Patient and Family Liaison Team, we also deliver compassionate and effective support for patients and their loved ones. From lending
Helen Goodwin, a Patient and Family Liaison Paramedic with EHAAT, said: “It is just incredible how the charity can touch people’s lives, not just the patients we go to, but the families, the people that have witnessed the incidents that we attend. But I don’t know how many people understand that we keep looking after our patients and families beyond the actual incident that they’ve been involved in. Our contact can continue over several weeks, months or years – they become part of our EHAAT family. That support is there for their recovery and emotional needs, beyond getting there and providing blood or resuscitation, those quick things that need to happen at the moment of the incident. I’m really proud that I get to be part of such an organisation.” As EHAAT looks to the future, a new chapter unfolds with the creation of the Centre for Excellence. Headed up by Project Lead, Dr Gareth Grier, the Centre for Excellence focuses on creating a world-leading community through which pre-hospital care is developed to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. Dr Gareth Grier shared: “Our Patient and Family Liaison Team has made a huge difference in recent years, increasing our ability to provide support, care, and compassion for our patients and their families. In recognising the enormous difference that contact with our team after an event can have, we are extremely keen to expand our team and offer even more help in the future. We have a perpetual vision here at EHAAT, and we are always aspiring to do more; creating an environment where these specific topics for pre-hospital care have been brought together is a key step forward.”
Dialling up the gratitude with our ‘Thank-a-Thon’
Summer 2023 was a fiesta of gratitude, celebration and connection. Reflecting on this remarkable 25-year journey together has been an uplifting experience, and we wanted to express our appreciation through a heartwarming ‘Thank-a-Thon,’ which unfolded on 11th July. The entire EHAAT family, representing all areas of the charity – from fundraising to clinical and operations, as well as the executive team, trustees and volunteers – took to the phones to call supporters just to say, ‘thank you’. Manning the phones from three call centres based across the air ambulance’s offices and airbases, the ‘Thank-a-Thon’ proved to be a fun day for all involved. The critical care team kickstarted the day with a surprise call to ex-patient Peter Morris.
Peter and his wife Jackie have become loyal supporters of the charity since he was treated after a cardiac arrest at work in November 2020. Not only did they nominate their bystander – who administered CPR – for a Royal Humane Award, but they also opened the Letchworth charity shop, spoke at a trustee event and kindly made personal donations to EHAAT. Many other ex-patients, who have shared their stories and offered their support, were among those we extended our heartfelt gratitude to, alongside the dedicated supporters who continue to fuel our mission, making a profound and meaningful impact when it matters most. While it was not feasible to personally call each and every supporter, we want to express our deep appreciation to the many
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thousands of individuals who play the ‘Flight for Life Lottery,’ engage in fundraising efforts, participate in our raffles, join our events, and tirelessly support our charity in countless ways. Your collective commitment and boundless generosity help us reach goals we never thought were possible, push us forward to reach new heights, and most importantly, ensure we can continue bringing the hospital to the patient when they need it most. Jane Gurney, CEO of EHAAT, summed it up beautifully: “The team and I are grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years – we honestly couldn’t fly without them. The opportunity for myself and the whole team to say ‘thank you’ in person on the phone or through our social media channels was just a small way of showing our gratitude and appreciation.”
Thank you
Over a Decade of Giving: Beresfords’ Support Reaches
£90,000 Berefords’ remarkable commitment to our cause was once again on full display at their annual Property Dinner, held on Thursday, 21st September 2023. The star-studded event featured our celebrity ambassador, Lisa Snowdon, whose inspiring speech played a pivotal role in helping us raise an impressive sum, over £15,000. This substantial contribution catapults Beresfords’ cumulative support to an awe-inspiring £90,000! Hosted at the prestigious Greenwood Hotel & Spa, the night unfolded as a blissful blend of entertainment and generosity, with over 200 guests treated to an evening of laughter courtesy of comedian Ian Irving. This year’s Property Dinner marked a significant milestone as it was the first since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It served as a testament to Beresford’s steadfast dedication to EHAAT’s mission. The evening’s primary focus was to raise vital funds
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to support our campaign to purchase a new AW169 helicopter, replacing our existing leased MD920 aircraft. This new addition to our fleet will enable us to operate with two AW169s, a crucial advancement for our charity. The AW169 boasts superior speed, extended range, and enhanced onboard space, allowing us to provide even more exceptional patient care during critical missions. TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon shared her enthusiasm for the evening while acknowledging attendees’ invaluable contributions during her speech. “Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us on the evening and for the incredible support shown to EHAAT – together we will save lives. I would really encourage you to find out more about this amazing local charity, the new helicopter plans, and how you can get involved and help make it happen. They can’t fly without you.”
On the night, EHAAT’s CEO, Jane Gurney, also expressed her sincere thanks to Beresfords for their continued support. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are deeply thankful for the unwavering support we’ve received from Beresfords Property Group over the past ten years. Their dedication and the funds they have raised have been instrumental in our mission to provide life-saving services to the communities we serve. We were thrilled to mark this milestone at the Property Dinner and have been delighted with the event’s success.” Nicki Treffers, Beresfords’ Director of New Business and Marketing, stated: “We are delighted to host this annual Property Dinner in support of the EHAAT. The work they do is invaluable, and we are committed to contributing to their mission of acquiring a new helicopter.”
T JOIN TODAY TO SUPPOR HARIT Y C G IN V A -S E IF L L A C YOUR LO For just £2 a week you can enter to win up to £25,000 in the Superdraw!
£2
could buy a scalpel for emergency surgical procedures
£8
can buy a blood pressure cuff to monitor the status of a patient.
£24
can buy a sling to stabilise a patient’s pelvis and reduce bleeding.
Subzero Heroes: Arctic Trekkers Brave the Chill and Raise Over £20,000 and start bystander CPR – things that make the difference and are key for the chain of survival. “I regularly walk 10k steps a day and have done fundraising treks previously, but the 6-7 hours a day snowshoeing in knee-deep powder snow really was a true physical test – one we got through together as a team. Yet, the biggest things I got out of the trek personally were fulfilling my ambition to see the Aurora Borealis, and experiencing the peaceful silence in the Arctic Circle.”
In March 2023, a willing and adventurous group embarked on an Arctic Trek amidst the stunning frosty white landscape of Finland, raising an incredible £23,251 for EHAAT. The 21-strong team undertook a series of challenges that included snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and husky sledding – all of which tested their stamina and endurance. Among the intrepid arctic trekkers was Rob Haslam, a Hatfield Heath resident and the founder of JBJ Associates – a project management consultancy specialising in sustainable and green energy solutions. Having participated in our Sahara Trek last year, Rob was
eager to take on a new challenge and jumped at the opportunity to get involved in our ‘Aritc Adventure’. 28
“The Sahara Trek sounded like something completely different and fun. I had no idea what a complete emotional rollercoaster it was going to be. After that experience, signing up for the Finland trek was an opportunity I couldn’t resist. Not only was the trek a way to escape from the world, but I got to meet a real mixture of great people and spent a large amount of the time just laughing – the moment we ‘all’ completed the snowshoeing on the third day was a crazy achievement, never to be forgotten! “I felt totally privileged meeting members of the EHAAT team who came with us. They do incredible work every day, and being able to help and contribute was the least I could do.”
Working with Discover Adventure, EHAAT laid on Trek 2023 as part of its annual trek programme, providing a more adventurous way for people to raise funds for the charity.
Helen Goodwin, a Patient & Family Liason Paramedic at EHAAT had a more personal reason for taking part in the trek.
Emma Barker, Head of Income Generation at EHAAT, added: “What I love most about our treks is the way in which they bring people together. The atmosphere is supportive; we always send a representative from our charity to participate and to keep spirits high. The challenge element, integral to all our treks, is the very thing that bonds our trekkers, and many of them form friendships for life. They are all amazing, and every year they generate much-needed funds for the charity. We are so grateful to each and every one of them.”
“Within my role, I meet and speak to people who have been directly helped by our crews. I know that bringing the hospital to the patient makes such a big difference. Prior to the trip, I managed to raise over £4,500, mainly by doing CPR and AED training for people in the local communities of Maldon, Goldhanger, Totham, Wickham Bishops and Tiptree. Not only were they great fundraising opportunities, but they gave people the confidence to use defibrillators
Marking Milestones, Mapping the Future As we celebrate a quartercentury of remarkable progress, we’re reminded of just how incredible this journey has been – made possible by the boundless generosity of brilliant people like you. From donating and fundraising to volunteering, shopping at our charity shops, spreading the word on social media, playing our Flight for Life Lottery and staying connected, you continue to make a positive impact in your local communities. As awe-inspiring as it is to reflect on so many meaningful memories, our past successes also lay the foundation for the future. Thanks to you, the critical care we provide to patients and families has improved significantly with training enhancements, upgraded equipment, state-of-the-art airbases, and technological advancements. But our journey doesn’t stop here. A Journey of Excellence We’re thrilled to see our Centre for Excellence taking shape with a framework where collaboration paves the way for the highest standards in pre-hospital clinical care – structured around four pillars: Research and Scholarship, Innovation, Education and Training, and Community.
Explorer currently stationed at our Earls Colne airbase. This acquisition will help in securing the future of the charity and ensuring the ongoing impact of our life-saving service. The new aircraft boasts greater speed, increased payload capacity, and extended flight durations due to its enhanced fuel endurance. This would mark a significant milestone for our charity, as it would mean we could possess two aircraft dedicated to delivering critical, life-saving care across Essex, Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Our primary focus is ensuring clinical excellence, driving us to achieve the best patient outcomes. We’re enthusiastic about the potential of this initiative to bring about meaningful change in our region and beyond. We also remain committed to reviewing and introducing new equipment and procedures. This proactive approach ensures that our clinical care remains at the forefront of innovation and aligns with the latest developments in medical practice.
Empowering Growth, Embracing Diversity Whether you have set up a fundraiser to support our mission, regularly share our posts on social media, attend our flagship events, play our Flight For Life Lottery, enter our raffles, make regular donations or pop into our charity shops, you all play a crucial role in helping us reach new audiences, and ultimately, set more ambitious goals. We are focused on further expanding our presence in high streets, diversifying our income, attracting more lottery players and welcoming more people to our visitor centres. It’s your unwavering support that not only makes these goals achievable but inspires us to dream bigger, advancing our life-saving work.
Building Our Future Fleet An exciting development on the horizon is our ambitious goal of acquiring a second AW169 helicopter, intended to replace our leased MD902
Collaborating and Strengthening Relationships We continue to work closely with our neighbouring air ambulances,
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including EAAA, MAGPAS Air Ambulance, London’s Air Ambulance, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex, sharing knowledge and operating practices. Our relationship with EEAST remains steadfast as we deliver the highest levels of care, while our continued collaboration with Anglia Ruskin University strengthens our research program, fostering innovation and progress in the field. Air Ambulances UK (AAUK) continues playing a crucial role in bringing the wider UK Air Ambulance communities together, and we’re thrilled with their new portal for engagement, interaction and sharing best practices. Following Jane Gurney’s Honorary Doctorate, we’ve also strengthened our relationship with Essex University, facilitating a new partnership to inspire future clinicians. As we look forward with excitement, we want to say a huge thank you for staying with us on this incredible journey. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact across Essex & Hertfordshire, giving patients the best chance when the worst happens. Thank you for being part of our story, and here’s to the chapters yet to be written! We can’t fly without you
Thank you
Meet the EHAAT Centre for Excellence team
Dr Gareth Grier Project Lead
Welcome to the EHAAT Centre for Excellence – a hub of innovation, education, research, and community empowerment. Our goal is simple: to deliver the highest standard of pre-hospital clinical care. Here we introduce you to the fantastic individuals leading the charge in their respective fields and give you a glimpse into the exciting vision that drives us forward. The Centre for Excellence is underpinned by its four pillars: Research and Scholarship, Innovation, Education and Training, and Community, which support three overarching clinical domains of cardiac arrest, head injury and patient experience and outcomes. Together these create a framework where working collaboratively, the highest possible standards of prehospital clinical care can be reached. Dr Gareth Grier, Project Lead at the Centre for Excellence, is delighted
Sarah McLachlan Research Lead
Academic Lead for Head Injury
Lisa Burrell
Education & Training Lead
to welcome Sarah McLachlan, Lisa Burrell, Professor Chris Uff and Adam Carr to the Centre for Excellence team. Gareth said: “Our vision for the Centre for Excellence is bold, innovative and sits at the heart of the community. With Chris, Sarah, Adam, Lisa and Suzie on board, and their combined knowledge and experience, I have no doubt that we will be able to take constructive steps in our aim to create a world-leading community, where clinical excellence sits at the
Our vision for the Centre for Excellence is to create a world-leading community through which pre-hospital care is developed to achieve the best possible outcomes for people in our region and beyond. Our mission is to develop a framework to improve the health outcomes from illness and injury by striving to reach the highest possible standards of pre-hospital clinical care through research, innovation and education. Furthermore, to work collaboratively to share knowledge for the benefit of all.
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Professor Chris Uff
Adam Carr
Community Lead (Clinical)
Suzie Southey
Academic Lead for Patient Experience & Outcomes
centre of our ambition, ensuring pre-hospital care is developed to make a real difference in achieving the best possible outcomes for patients and their families in our region and beyond. Thanks to the generous support that we have from the public we are intending to be at the forefront of this area of medicine for many years to come.” To find out more about the EHAAT Centre for Excellence, please visit ehaat.org/c4x
Saving Lives Around the Clock
New night flying capability enhances our life-saving efforts In a remarkable stride towards improved pre-hospital clinical care, EHAAT has embraced the power of night flying. This strategic advancement holds immense significance, elevating our ability to provide critical care during the most challenging hours of darkness. As the days grow shorter in winter, this development reduces reliance on RRVs and enhances efficiency, ensuring that no matter the time, assistance is just a flight away. The Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) training has been a vital step in expanding EHAAT’s reach. It equips the HEMS teams with the expertise to utilise advanced imaging technology that enhances visibility during the darkest hours. These NVIS systems
enable the crew to see and assess their surroundings more clearly, ensuring safe and efficient operations even in lowlight conditions. Equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) our pilots are now able to navigate the night sky. These impressive high-tech devices revolutionise handling nocturnal emergencies. NVGs calibrated to meet individual vision requirements are securely fastened to flight helmets, illuminating the surroundings. These binocular wonders amplify available light, empowering pilots to manoeuvre through potential obstacles lurking in the darkness.
monocular single tube NVGs, the pre-hospital care doctor and critical care paramedic take on the night’s duty. This sleek device grants them invaluable situational awareness during landings, seamlessly guiding their mission to save lives. Paul Curtis, Aviation & Operations Director, said: “This new development has the team incredibly excited”. He enthusiastically declares, “Night flying with NVGs allows us to respond faster, bringing our critical care teams to incidents promptly. No matter the hour, we’re here to be the beacon of hope and support when it is needed the most.”
But the NVG magic doesn’t stop with the pilots. Equipped with
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Thank you
Resilience in Retail: 20 Years of Growth and Impact
Our charity shops are not only essential in raising those allimportant, life-saving funds, but are a vital part of the communities we serve. We’ve continued to grow our high street presence and we currently have nine charity shops across Essex and Hertfordshire, as well as a Donation Centre in Stevenage. Each shop supports our lifesaving mission and serves as a vital community hub, providing a sustainable and ethical option for people looking to part with items they no longer need. In addition to encouraging recycling and reducing waste, donors and shoppers also make a meaningful impact, ensuring we can continue to be there for patients and their families in their time of need. 32
Donated preloved items, ranging from clothing and shoes to handbags, bric-a-brac, and small furniture, all find their way to our shelves, with our staff and volunteers working tirelessly to create clean, tidy and well-organised spaces. Community Cornerstones Following on from the opening of our Letchworth shop last year, the charity continues to grow and adapt in a highly competitive retail landscape, but the unique dedication and generosity of our supporters is what sets us apart. EHAAT expresses our deepest gratitude to all of our returning customers who donate their preloved goods, shop with us and stay with us on this journey.
Shopping at your nearest EHAAT charity shop is not only an environmentally friendly way to shop, but it’s also a great way to give back to your local community. Whether you’re looking for a unique treasure or simply searching for a bargain, you can find all the contact details and addresses of our nine charity shops on our website at ehaat.org/charity-shops • Braintree • Buntingford • Burnhamon-Crouch • Colchester • Eastwood • Hitchin • Letchworth • Royston • Mersea Island • Donation Centre Your donations fuel our mission to support EHAAT. When clearing out, think of us. Drop off items at our shops across Hertfordshire and Essex or our Stevenage Donation Centre. Find locations on our website.
Diversifying, Adapting and Expanding Since opening our very first charity shop 20 years ago on Mersea Island, our amazing volunteers have been an integral part of our high street journey. Working closely with our shop managers and assistants, our growing family of volunteers contribute in various capacities within our charity shops and our Donation Centre. From organising donated stock to greeting customers and delivering outstanding shopping experiences, our charity shop volunteers reflect the vibrant spirit of our local communities.
of serving the grandson of the council leader as the shop’s first customer in 2017. While we continued our expansion through the years, the global pandemic presented its own set of challenges, but it also prompted us to explore new avenues. As the doors of our charity shops closed during
It seems like only yesterday that Ray Winstone, our celebrity ambassador, opened our Royston shop. Amid a crowd of well-wishers and our dedicated staff, Ray had the honour Essex & Herts Air Ambulance | ehaat.org | 33
lockdowns, we became more creative with a “click and collect” approach. Our focus shifted to e-commerce, extending beyond our website to popular marketplace apps like eBay and Facebook. We also launched our own shop on our website, featuring an array of gifts, clothing, cards and more. The pandemic tested our resilience and adaptability, and we emerged stronger than ever, with supporters across Essex and Hertfordshire pushing us forward. With your amazing support, we remain focused on opening more charity shops, elevating our sustainability efforts and building a brighter future for all of the local communities we serve.
Thank you
Celebrating 1,500 Fight for Life Lottery Winners Since launching our Flight For Life lottery, EHAAT has made over 1,500 phone calls to its lottery winners, congratulating them on what are often life-changing moments. Our Lottery Manager, Carmel Hudson, loves making those calls and sharing in the joy and excitement of our dedicated supporters. “I love it. It’s not just about announcing a prize; it’s connecting with the incredible community that stands behind EHAAT and their unwavering commitment to our mission.” Jane Crush, a resident of Hatfield and a long-term supporter of the charity, recently learned she’d won the £25,000 superdraw jackpot.
“It was a wonderful surprise. I am due to retire next year, and this win will allow me and my husband to make the most of being newly retired. We are already planning some great adventures, and we will also be spoiling our two children and three grandchildren. I have been supporting EHAAT for many years now and will continue to do so. I really admire the wonderful service the charity provides for people in their greatest need.” The Power of £1: How loyal lottery players pushed us forward The Flight For Life Lottery has played a pivotal role in supporting the charity’s financial stability and ability to provide life-saving pre-hospital care, but its growth is down to the incredible communities of Essex, Hertfordshire and the surrounding areas. As Jane Gurney, EHAAT’s CEO, recalls, “Together, in 2007, we launched fundraising for a dedicated air ambulance for Hertfordshire. Then we were tasked with raising the profile, and money, to merge the two air ambulances to form EHAAT.
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We had helicopter bases at Earls Colne and North Weald, two helicopters each with a doctor on board, and our fundraising supported that. Then the recession hit, impacting all our plans. Fundraising was challenging for all charities, but we were lucky our Lottery at just £1 a week sustained us. It was a tough time.” During times of recession, the Flight For Life Lottery enabled the charity to continue its life-saving mission, ensuring both helicopters remained in the sky and ready to respond when every second counted. Thanks to our incredible supporters, the Flight For Life Lottery has grown from strength to strength.
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A Huge Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors & Partners At EHAAT, we’ve developed longstanding, productive and resilient relationships with many passionate, forward-thinking, and reputable organisations across Essex and Hertfordshire. Thanks to the unwavering support of our partners and sponsors – past and present – we’ve evolved as a charity over the past 25 years with a focus on continuously improving patient experiences and outcomes while setting new heights in the world of pre-hospital care. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all of the dedicated sponsors who have played a crucial role in supporting our mission: Brayleys Honda Motorcycles Colchester Kawasaki Convene Ford Dunton Frank G Gates Ltd The English Cream Tea Company Frontline Financial Solutions
Hythe Hill Motorcycles KGK Genix Leaonardo Helicopters Milbank Concrete Products Ltd Pass Bike Ltd Paul Robinson Solicitor PAX Bags
Phase 2 Planning Roomes Furniture SRC Group TC Group Templant Rental Power Woodland Group Yunatech Ltd
Previous sponsors of EHAAT: Alstons | Amazon | Anglia Ruskin University | Arc Legal Assistance Ltd | Audi | Bayer Crop Science Berryworld | Bishop’s Stortford Veterinary Group | Blue Bear | CMS Herts Ltd | Collier & Catchpole | Cordell Maintenance Services Ltd Countryside Properties UK Ltd | David Watson Transport Ltd | Devitt Insurance | Dobsons Home | DogFish Hydrotherapy | Eat Inn Restaurants EmployAssist HR | Epson Ltd | Fultons Chophouse | Fin & Fur | First Signs & Labels | GCS Alarms | Hampden & Co | Hyside Motorcycles Ice Patch Ltd | International Food Link | Jack Lilley Motorcycles | Jamesons Chartered Accountants | Jim Aim Motorcycles | Just Wheel Repair Laerdal Medical Ltd | Lind Motorrad | Lloyd Cooper Motorcycles | MDS Civil Engineering Ltd | Millennium Veterinary Practice Moores Motorcycles | NATTA | Palmers Motor Company | Parkinson Motorcycles | PayPoint Network Ltd | Persimmon Homes Pole Position Motorcycles | Raine & Co | Research Runner | RSM UK Tax and Accounting Ltd | SorryMate.com | Specialist Aviation Services Spire Harpenden Hospital | SVC Group | Swinton Insurance | TK Cope Motorcycles | Volvo Cars | Waterhouse Cars Ltd | Watford Observer Whitebarn IT Services Ltd | Wilkin & Sons | ZOLL Medical.
Your combined contributions have been instrumental in helping us achieve remarkable milestones and build a more resilient future. Thank you! Essex & Herts Air Ambulance | ehaat.org | 35
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Flight House, The Business Centre, Earls Colne Business Park, Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2NS T: 0345 2417 690 E: contactus@ehaat.org W: ehaat.org Charity Number: 1108989
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