Meet the Staff

I joined the Charity in 2006 having previously worked with another Air Ambulance charity. My role is one of supporting and providing information to the Trustees and Executive Director by monitoring and developing financial systems to provide good governance and control. As a Director of the company that operates the raffles and weekly lotteries for the charity I also have to keep up to date with Gambling Commission requirements. I am lucky to be working for such a good cause with such a great team of people.

 

I have been involved with the charity since 2004 and have a background in marketing, promotions and event management. My current role as Head of Marketing and Fundraising involves developing and overseeing many of the new initiatives we are implementing across the Trust in order to generate much needed funds and raise the profile/awareness of both services. Many people are still surprised to learn that the Air Ambulances do not receive any funding but rely on the generosity and support of the people and businesses of both counties. I head up an enthusiastic team dedicated to providing the very best Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.

 

I have been with the Charity since 2003 and now manage the Lottery Department; it’s my responsibility to ensure that the Flight for Life Lottery runs smoothly and remains the main source of income for the Trust. It is the job of the Lottery Department to recruit and retain both Weekly Draw and Superdraw members so we are always looking for new ways to inform people about how important the Flight for Life Lottery is. We also organise the many Flight for Life Lottery Roadshows that tour both Essex and Hertfordshire….look out for us and come and say hello! I love informing Lottery players that they have won - handing over a cheque for £25,000 to our first lucky Superdraw winner was a real privilege. Twice yearly the Lottery Team runs a very successful Raffle incentive which has helped raise in excess of £300,000 for the Trust. I am passionate about the reasons why we need to fundraise – ultimately, the Air Ambulance is there to help save lives

 

Sabi Blyth, Fundraising Coordinator 

I started working as a volunteer for the Charity at the beginning of 2009 and progressed onto doing various admin roles and promotional work where I attended events such as the Dragon Boat Race and Motorcycle Run. As of January 2010, I was made a permanent member of staff and am now Fundraising Co-ordinator working with Nina on community fundraising events in Essex.

It is a pleasure to be part of the hard working team here at the Essex Air Ambulance.

Katie Oatham, Office Coordinator 

I joined the trust in August 2010 as the Receptionist which has been very enjoyable.  After a very busy year with the Trust I have now taken on the role as Office Coordinator looking after Facilities & Health and Safety across all our premises. The role is very varied and challenging and I look forward to busy times ahead. It’s great to work with such a dedicated and passionate team of people.

Kirsty Bould, Receptionist/Adminstrator 

I joined the trust in October 2011 as Receptionist/Administrator, my role involves being first point of call for the charity, processing donations and arranging our charity tins to be collected amongst a range of many other things. I am very excited to join such a hard working team and very proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference in people’s lives.

Val Pryor, Charity Shop Coordinator

I joined the Charity in 2011 having set-up and managed a charity shop in Surrey.  My early career was as a Medical Secretary and I have been a volunteer fundraiser for 18 years both in Hampshire and Essex.  My role as Charity Shop Coordinator  (part-time) is to ensure the smooth running of the Mersea Island shop and to support its many hardworking volunteers.  My aim is to promote the Charity via the shop, to raise as much money for the Charity as possible and for the Mersea shop team to enjoy the precious time they spend there.  I was born on the Island and am only too aware of how valuable and vital the Air Ambulance is to the community.  Raising money for charities is both challenging and satisfying  and it is a privilege to work with such a dedicated team knowing that everything we do, however minor, is helping to save lives.

I come from a policing background having served 31 years in Sussex, the last 8 years of which managing the Air Operations Unit. My role as Operations Director is primarily to ensure the Trust is getting value for money from the contractors who provide aviation services as well as assisting them in maintaining an effective, safe operation and represent the Trust on a number of aviation based committees. I work closely with all contractors and my medical colleagues to provide continuous clinical excellence via our aero-medical operation.

 

I joined the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust three years ago as a Trustee and in an advisory capacity assisted the Trust on governance issues.  Having now moved into the role of Medical Director I have led on changing the service from being a paramedic only service primarily providing transportation for patients to a clinical delivery service taking the A&E to the patients that require it.  My role as Medical Director involves recruiting doctors, training them and ensuring that the Trust has a robust governance system in place.

I have been a NHS A&E consultant since 1996 and have been Head of Emergency Services in Mayday University Hospital, East Kent Hospitals and lately Nottingham University.   

 

On leaving school I spent 13 years serving with the Royal Marines. In 1999 I joined the London Ambulance Service qualifying as a Paramedic in 2001. Whilst there, I practiced as a Clinical Tutor, Emergency Care Practitioner and Motorcycle Response Paramedic. In 2007 I was selected to practice as a Paramedic on the London Air Ambulance, a role I enjoyed until joining the Charity.

The role of Clinical Manager for the Trust is extremely rewarding and interesting with every day bringing new challenges. It is a privilege to be working alongside such dedicated and passionate teams both within the Charity office and at our Aribases at Earls Colne and North Weald. All Charity staff along with our highly trained Pilots, Paramedics and Doctors  are committed to providing the best possible care for the people of Essex and Hertfordshire. 

 

I joined the Charity in January 2005. In my role as Events Manager I organise all the Charity’s own events, from small fundraising days to huge events like the annual Motorcycle Run, Charity Balls and Dragon Boat Race to name but a few! Planning and organising events also means working with corporate partners to put sponsorships in place – without whom, these events would not be possible! It’s a daily challenge, but one I love!! It’s great to be part of such a fantastic team where everyone has a genuine passion for what they do.

I have been with the Charity since December 2004. My role is to maintain the day to day financial management of the charity, to assist the Financial Director with the provision of financial information to the Trustees and Executive Director. I also oversee the fundraising office IT Systems. It is great to work with such a motivated group of people who are passionate about saving lives.

  

Joining the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust in September 2006 was an exciting opportunity to make the most of my accounting and customer service skills. My responsibilities now include aspects of Trust finances and the role of Health and Safety Officer. At times I represent the Charity at events, it’s great meeting and talking to lots of interesting people. It is fantastic to be working alongside others who have boundless energy and enthusiasm for a cause in which we all sincerely believe.



Aderyn Gillett, Special Projects Coordinator

I joined the charity on a full time basis in July 2003 initially working with volunteers and the media.  I then became Comunications Manager, a varied role that included creating the websites you see today.  I am now with the charity on a part time basis working on internal communication projects.  It continues to be a great privilege to work for the chartiy as part of a great team and I'm proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference to peoples lives.

 

I joined the Trust in February 2009 as PR Assistant. My role is extremely varied, I am responsible for all the PR activity, looking after our brand and overseeing the website amongst other things. I absolutely love working here; no two days are the same! It is an absolute privilege to work with such a dedicated team of people, and knowing that our day to day activities are making a difference to people’s lives.  

I joined the Trust in April 2008 on a part-time basis to help support the fundraising team and the Executive Director. The days I spend here are incredibly varied, interesting … and busy! It is fantastic to be part of a dedicated, motivated and energetic team who are all so focused on the challenging goal of keeping both the Essex and Herts Air Ambulances flying.

Jen Townsend, Lottery Administrator
 
I joined the Trust in May 2010 as a part time member of staff but have recently moved to the Lottery Department and full time work!! I am kept very busy processing new members, dealing with enquiries, writing to our members and most importantly doing the draw every week! Working for the charity is very rewarding, I love being part of such a hard working, enthusiastic team that are all striving to provide a life saving service to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.