Air ambulance fundraiser ‘honoured’ to receive national award

A pensioner from Cromer was flying high this week after being honoured for his contribution to the air ambulance service.

Seventy-three-year-old collection box volunteer Jamie Edgehill has raised over £600,000 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) in just 12 years after joining them following his retiral from the fire service.

And, last week, the pensioner, who also visits local schools to educate children and young people about the vital work of the emergency services, was named Volunteer of the Year at the National Association of Air Ambulance Awards for Excellence.

The awards, held in London, celebrated the life-saving work carried out by air ambulance charities across Britain and honoured those who have made an exemplary contribution to the work of their charities.

Mr Edghill said: 'I feel very honoured to receive this award for something I really enjoy doing. Over the years I have made many friends raising money for this life saving charity. I am most grateful to everyone who helped with this nomination.'

EAAA won three awards at the event. In addition to Mr Edghill's award, Captain Steve Norris, from Norwich, was named Pilot of the Year following a decade of service; and the EAAA's Medical Director Alastair Wilson - who founded the first air ambulance service in the country - was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for nearly 30 years of service.

Congratulating the winners on their awards, Patrick Peal, the EAAA's Chief Executive Officer, said: 'I am incredibly proud of EAAA. These three gentlemen are great examples of the dedication, commitment and passion shown by all of our staff every day.

'We are so grateful to have people who go above and beyond the call of duty for what they believe in, who share their passion for innovation and quality with us.'