4 minute read
Our people; behind the scenes at KSS
Our people
Dr Helen Bowcock OBE DL | Chair
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In December 2013 I found myself sitting in a modest hangar at Redhill Aerodrome listening to the most captivating story of courage and determination, of innovation and ambition. I was a guest at the official launch of the KSS night flying service and when, several months later, I was approached to consider joining the charity’s Board I did not hesitate to accept. My own family had reason to appreciate the value of pre-hospital medicine. In 1980 my father was thrown off a bike when he was hit at high speed by a car. He was lucky that a doctor was first on the scene whose intervention undoubtedly saved a limb. But would his three month stay in hospital have been reduced if he had been airlifted there and if a specialist crew had attended? These questions bring home the significance of major developments such as night flying and the dedication of KSS staff to the continuous incremental improvements that make such a difference to patient outcomes. They also mean that it has not been hard to find the motivation to volunteer time as a Trustee, and since 2016, as Chair.
Sarita Taneja | Community Fundraiser
I love working for KSS because it’s an amazing charity that makes a real difference to people in my own community. I never know what each day will bring but at some point, I will be reminded of what we do and why it matters. Patients are a constant inspiration — we don’t always have happy endings, but it’s humbling that, even in the saddest of times, people come together to do wonderful things for us.
There are many dedicated people here at KSS, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Here’s a little peek to meet some of the people involved.
Cian O’Leary | Pilot
Air Ambulance has always appealed to me over any other type of flying — helping others while also doing my dream job is the perfect combination! Some days are busier than others, but when a call does come in we don’t hang about. I am amazed at how calm the doctors and paramedics remain in the midst of what looks like complete chaos, and at the same time deliver such complicated interventions to their patients, it is truly impressive.
Becky Kenny | Head of Governance and Compliance
My passion for governance and compliance grew from my operational roots and keeps me grounded – it ensures everything we do supports the development and growth of our charity. Keeping up to date with our regulators is key to stay ahead and prepare the relevant teams. Our crews do incredible work, but it’s only possible because of the amazing support we receive — that’s why we also work hard to look after our supporters and the information we hold.
John Kenton Page | Volunteer
I knew about Air Ambulance from my flying days, and I had always been interested in medical matters. So I started giving talks, doing collections outside stores, attending cheque presentations and so on. On one occasion I went to a cycling club for young children. They’d raised £1.5k, which blew me away. They had done it because one of their members needed help up on the Downs and KSS came. Hearing that kind of thing really makes it all worthwhile.
The lottery that saves lives
Over 90,000 amazing supporters take part in our three lotteries, creating our biggest source of income and raising an incredible £7.5M in 2020.
Almost ten years after introducing our main lottery draw in 2004 we launched our 24/7 Lottery to coincide with the start of our night flying operation. The support shown by our communities allowed us to become the first 24-hour Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the UK. In 2007 we launched the Superdraw, an additional lottery to our main draw. The Superdraw is a rollover style lottery, with an exact match of numbers to a playing entry needed for the jackpot prize to be won. Currently, the weekly prize stands at around £4,500, but it is possible that this jackpot could roll over to an incredible £25,000. When this happens, it must be won!
It is often said that you need luck to play the lottery, but we know just how lucky we are to have your support. Because of you we can continue to provide critical care to those patients that need it, every single day.
James Cook
Head of Lotteries and Gaming
Raffle success!
Our first raffle was held in the summer of 2007 and since then we’ve held 31 raffle draws. The majority of our raffles are held at spring, summer and during the Christmas period, with tickets selling at £1. There are a total of eight prizes available, with a top prize of £5,000 for the winner! In 2015 we held our first Win a Car raffle — the same year that we celebrated 25 years of operating our service. Tickets are sold at £5 each and the 1st prize is a brand new car!
I was absolutely amazed to win, I have entered numerous raffles before and never won anything, so it was a very lovely surprise to receive the call!
A lucky raffle winner!
Winning since 2004
Regular Lottery started
Superdraw begins
First raffle – summer
First £25,000 Superdraw winner
24/7 Lottery
Car raffle launched
Sign up for your chance to win...
If you’d like to join over 90,000 lottery members and be in with a chance of winning fantastic prizes of up to £25,000 then why not enter today? Call us on 01634 471 900 or sign up online:
