AIR AMBULANCES UK ANNOUNCES 2024 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS SPONSORED BY KWIK FIT
Air Ambulances UK is delighted to announce the winners of the 2024 Awards of Excellence, sponsored by Kwik Fit and hosted by Air Ambulances UK ambassador Charlotte Hawkins at the Coventry Building Society Arena. This annual event celebrates the remarkable achievements and dedication of those who bring their specialist lifesaving skills to the air ambulance sector across the UK. Our panel of judges faced challenging decisions with such a high calibre of nominations.
Simmy Akhtar, CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said, “Congratulations to our 2024 Awards of Excellence winners. Our judging panel was once again met with the challenging task of selecting this year’s winners. Thank you to all in our air ambulance community for your dedication to the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the UK.”
In no particular order our award winners are:
Young Person of the Year
Sponsored by: Sloane Helicopters
WINNER: Ethan Ross-Smith
Ethan’s unwavering commitment to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is remarkable. From abseiling 75ft off a stadium roof to raising funds for essential crew kit, to volunteering tirelessly at events, Ethan has shown what true dedication looks like. He’s even stepped into a unique role, posing as a “casualty” to help create impactful images that resonate with young audiences, all while enthusiastically supporting CPR and defibrillation training.
His passion is contagious, and his advice to aspiring volunteers? “DO IT! It’s a load of fun, you get to meet new people, make friends, and it’s a great experience!”
Critical Care Practitioner of the Year
Sponsored by: Zoll
WINNER: Neil Bizzell, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
Neil, a Specialist Practitioner in Critical Care from Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, has set an exemplary standard for patient care and clinical expertise. Leading the Outreach Programme, Neil has delivered 24 education events this year alone, often in his own time. His impact is undeniable: in one instance, his training and support allowed an ambulance crew to administer life-saving adrenaline to a patient in critical need.
Through his dedication, empathy, and leadership, Neil has changed countless lives and strengthened critical care delivery for patients who may not have had access to it otherwise.
Breaking Barriers
Sponsored by: WEL Medical
WINNER: Great Western Air Ambulance Charity
Through their innovative Defibrillator Mapping Tool and Great Western Hearts Programme, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity is breaking down barriers to health access. By strategically placing defibrillators in economically deprived, high-need areas and offering free CPR and defibrillation training, they’re making lifesaving equipment and skills accessible to everyone. With support from Airbus, they’ve streamlined the process, installing over 100 defibrillators, including 24% in areas experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
With a strong focus on inclusivity, they ensure accessibility for all, incorporating clear, visual instructions to accommodate visually impaired and dyslexic people, and those with English as a second language. The use of pictures, symbols, concise instructions, and the Highway font aligns with national signage standards. Cabinets are positioned for wheelchair access, with their bases set 100cm from the ground. This year alone, their efforts have empowered over 9,500 people with lifesaving skills, transforming communities and advancing health equality.
Trustee of the Year
Sponsored by: Charisma Charity Recruitment
WINNER: Mike Beale, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance
As Interim Chair of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, Mike provided strength and compassion during a challenging time, guiding the team through the sudden loss of founding Chairman John Bullough. His leadership ensured that vital fundraising and operations continued seamlessly, all while nurturing the Board’s strategic ambitions.
A founding Trustee, Mike’s dedication has shaped the charity from its early days, leading sub-committees and preparing the organisation for its next chapter. His legacy will have a lasting impact on pre-hospital emergency care in Scotland.
Charity Staff Member of the Year
Sponsored by: Kwik Fit
WINNER: Sam Disney, Magpas Air Ambulance
As the charity’s first staff member dedicated to volunteering, Sam has transformed Magpas Air Ambulance’s volunteer programme. Her work has streamlined operations, introduced improved tracking systems to recognise volunteer contributions effectively, and launched a rewards system that’s already boosting engagement. Notably, she organised the charity’s largest volunteering event, leading over 250 volunteers in a tree-planting day, and launched the charity’s first monthly volunteer newsletter. Thanks to Sam’s dedication, Magpas Air Ambulance’s volunteer numbers have grown by an impressive 38%!
Campaign of the Year
Sponsored by: Kwik Fit
WINNER: Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex
When their long-standing aviation partner faced sudden administration, the charity took quick action to secure its second helicopter. In just six weeks, they launched their largest-ever integrated fundraising appeal, rallying individuals, businesses, schools, and major donors around the critical goal of purchasing a new helicopter. Surpassing their initial £1 million target, the campaign ultimately raised an astounding £1.98 million!
The “Buy it for Life” campaign’s success was rooted in a fully integrated approach that included direct mail, press ads, media outreach, and community engagement. A truly inspiring achievement for the future of air ambulance services in Kent, Surrey and Sussex!
Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by: Aeroptimo
WINNER: Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex
Harnessing the power of technology, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex delivered live-streamed CPR and defibrillator training sessions to 17,000 people across all ages—from 4 to 80+—in a single day! This innovative approach engaged audiences with tailored content and raised vital awareness on cardiac arrests and lifesaving actions.
The campaign’s impressive reach included a media audience of 5.3 million, equipping thousands with essential lifesaving skills and inspiring many to fundraise for the cause.
Charity Supporter of the Year
Sponsored by: Tower Lotteries
WINNER: Tom Budgett, Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance
With an impressive 45-year career in commercial aviation law, Tom Budgett has generously provided pro bono legal expertise to air ambulance charities across the UK since 2017. His dedication to helping air ambulances achieve substantial savings has been transformative, allowing more resources to be directed to their vital missions.
This past year alone, Tom’s support for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance—including assisting in the purchase of their second aircraft—was valued close to six figures. Tom’s contributions exemplify extraordinary dedication, making him one of the sector’s most impactful supporters.
Operations Support Staff of the Year
Sponsored by: Survival Equipment Services
WINNER: Scott Todd, Magpas Air Ambulance
Scott is an essential member of the Magpas Air Ambulance technical crew, supporting navigation, communication, and hazard spotting, as well as overseeing key operational tasks like managing NOTAMs and coordinating fuel deliveries. Since joining in November 2022, Scott has consistently gone above and beyond, taking on challenging shifts, including Christmas Day, to ensure the charity’s operations run smoothly.
Scott is also deeply committed to engaging with supporters, leading base tours and enthusiastically sharing insights about the service. His contributions have been invaluable in recent charity campaigns, including participating in videos and the first-ever patient open evening, where he connected with former patients and inspired continued support for Magpas Air Ambulance.
Pilot of the Year
Sponsored by: Babcock
WINNER: Captain Steve Norris, East Anglian Air Ambulance
With 18 years of flying experience, Steve has completed 163 missions over the past year, including 44 in the dark and 56 with seriously ill patients onboard. His dedication to flying clinicians to emergencies is matched by his personal commitment to families, offering support during life-changing moments.
Steve’s contributions extend beyond flying, as he actively participates in awareness campaigns and assisted with securing Jubilee medals for frontline staff.
Charity Team of the Year
Sponsored by: Lottery Fundraising Services
WINNER: Retail team, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
Thanks to their dedication and innovative strategies, the Retail Team achieved a 437% increase in net profit for 2023/2024. All 9 charity shops saw 24% growth, while e-commerce sales grew by an impressive 161%. Their efforts, including creative initiatives like ‘’Feet to the Floor’’ and Donation Days, have significantly boosted local support and raised vital funds for the life-saving mission of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.
Doctor of the Year
Sponsored by: Leonardo Helicopters
WINNER: Dr. Laura Bland, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
As a Critical Care Doctor and leader of the Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine Training Programme, Laura has made an extraordinary impact on patient care and the development of pre-hospital critical care. Her leadership in regional campaigns and national examinations has helped raise awareness and improve the quality of emergency interventions. Laura’s passion, dedication, and voluntary efforts have positively influenced countless lives, including spearheading a direct mail campaign that raised nearly £40,000 for the charity.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by: Airbus
WINNER: Gillian Bryce, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
With over 30 years of service in Emergency Medicine, Gillian has made a lasting impact on pre-hospital care in the South West. Her pioneering work in developing the first paramedic training course and her leadership in merging ambulance services for better patient care are just the beginning. Gillian’s advocacy for expanding air ambulance services led to the creation of Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance in 2000, and her work as medical director helped pave the way for Devon Air Ambulance’s seven-day service in 1997.
Gillian has played an instrumental role in transforming the sector, ensuring that patients and their families remain at the heart of service development.
Special Recognition Award
WINNER: Heléna Holt from Devon Air Ambulance
As CEO for 17 years, Heléna has been a transformative force in the sector, leading Devon Air Ambulance through remarkable growth. The charity became the UK’s first fully independent air ambulance and completed an impressive 2,226 missions last year alone. Heléna’s visionary approach has not only improved patient outcomes but also driven a digital transformation, ensuring the charity is future-proofed for technological advancements and strategic success.
Her achievements include the introduction of doctors on board and enhancing the clinical skills and knowledge of the team’s specialist and advanced paramedics. Patients in Devon now receive expert, hospital-level care in their time of need. Heléna also supported the development of the Master’s Degree in Pre-Hospital Critical Care, Retrieval and Transfer in partnership with Plymouth University, advancing specialist paramedic training for Devon Air Ambulance and beyond. With an intake of over 25 students per year at its peak, this programme has made a significant contribution to the UK air ambulance community.
Under her leadership, the charity has changed beyond recognition. The impact of this transformation, and Heléna’s legacy, can be felt across Devon – by every patient, every family, and every community served.
If you would like to receive further information about the award winners please get in touch:
E glen.picknell@airambulancesuk.org T 07747582874
