The nation’s finest clinicians, aviators and fundraisers are celebrated at the Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence
Tuesday, 15 November, 2016
Over 250 guests celebrated the best and brightest from the air ambulance community last night at the national Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2016.
Awards hosts, BBC News reporter and presenter Sophie Long and Helicopter Heroes presenter Rav Wilding handed out 11 Awards to outstanding individuals and teams, whose stories were inspirational, astonishing and humbling. The awards, which are independently judged, went to pilots, paramedics, doctors, fundraisers and volunteers who collected their trophies at a ceremony held in central London last night.
An enthusiastic audience listened to the remarkable stories of each shortlisted nominee, all of whom demonstrated excellence and commitment well above and beyond the call of duty. Every winner was cheered to and from the stage, not least 6 year old Isobel Pilsworth, winner of the Outstanding Young Person Award, whose incredible fundraising activities after her Dad survived a cardiac arrest captured the hearts of the audience.
Chair of the Judging Panel, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, said: “The stories we heard about the work being done by the nation's air ambulance services were truly remarkable. What a tonic these stories are in turbulent political times. I would like to congratulate every single one of the nominees and send a message to the winners of the Awards that they truly are examples of what can be achieved through teamwork, expertise, courage and determination.”
Below is a list of all the winners:
Air Ambulance Campaign Award
WINNER: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance
Sponsor: Lottery Fundraising Services
Charity Staff Member of the Year
WINNER: Susie Croft
Sponsor: Milestone Aviation Group Ltd
Charity Volunteer of the Year
WINNER: Jamie Edghill
Sponsor: Tower Lotteries
Air Ambulance Doctor of the Year
WINNER: Dr Mark Wilson
Sponsor: Leonardo Helicopters
Innovation of the Year Award
WINNER: Devon Air Ambulance Trust
Sponsor: Sloane Helicopters
Lifetime Achievement Award
WINNER: Alastair Wilson
Sponsor: Specialist Aviation Services
Air Ambulance Paramedic of the Year
WINNER: Erica Ley
Sponsor: BMW Government and Authorities Division
Air Ambulance Pilot of the Year
WINNER: Steven Norris
Sponsor: Safran UK
Special Incident Award
WINNER: Wales Air Ambulance
Sponsor: Airbus Helicopters
Outstanding Young Person Award
WINNER: Isobel Pilsworth
Sponsor: Babcock MCS Onshore
AAA Chairman’s Award
WINNER: Bill Sivewright
