Former air ambulance staff honoured at National Awards of Excellence

Former East Anglian Air Ambulance staff have been honoured at the National Awards of Excellence. And, as Folk Features reports, a volunteer who has organised bucket collections across Norfolk and Suffolk has been highly commended

A former East Anglian Air Ambulance Doctor and a former Charity Staff Member have been recognised nationally at the Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence. Dr Paul Rees received the Doctor of the Year award, while Sarah Atkins was named Charity Staff Member of the Year, highlighting their significant contributions to the air ambulance sector. Dr Paul Rees has transformed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest care across the UK. Combining expertise in interventional cardiology and pre-hospital emergency medicine, Dr Rees has pioneered new approaches to cardiac resuscitation, improving survival rates for critically ill patients. This award recognised Dr Rees for excelling in clinical practice while demonstrating exceptional leadership, compassion, and innovation in his approach to healthcare.

Sarah Atkins, the charity’s former Director of People and Culture and Deputy CEO, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to an air ambulance charity during her ten years in the sector. Sarah’s leadership and dedication made a lasting impact on East Anglian Air Ambulance’s patients, staff, and volunteers, shaping the culture and growth of the charity.

Terry Southgate was also highly commended in the Volunteer of the Year category for his tireless volunteering efforts. Since 2018, Terry has organised bucket collections across Norfolk and Suffolk, and in 2024 -25, he reached a lifetime milestone of raising £121,500 to support East Anglian Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work.

Matthew Jones, East Anglian Air Ambulance CEO, says, “We are delighted that Dr. Paul Rees, Sarah Atkins and Terry Southgate have received this well-deserved recognition from the air ambulance community. It’s an honour to stand alongside so many dedicated organisations who work tirelessly to save lives right across the country every day.”

Matthew adds, “Awards such as this not only remind us of dedication of individuals and teams within East Anglian Air Ambulance, but of the remarkable lifesaving achievements of our donors, volunteers and supporters, who make 24/7 critical care by air and road possible.”

Lindsay Boswell, Interim CEO of Air Ambulances UK, said, “Congratulations to our 2025 Awards of Excellence winners. These awards shine a light on the extraordinary individuals, teams, and supporters who make it possible for air ambulance charities to deliver critical care every single day. The standard of nominations this year was remarkable, and we are proud to recognise those who go above and beyond to support patients, families, and the wider sector. My thanks go to our judges for their thoughtful consideration, and to Babcock International Group for generously sponsoring this year’s awards.”

Air Ambulances UK is a national organisation championing and supporting the lifesaving work of the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities. The Awards of Excellence were held in Telford on Wednesday 3 December and were hosted by Dr. Dawn Harper. These prestigious awards celebrate exceptional contributions across the air ambulance sector, recognising individuals and teams within lifesaving air ambulance charities across the UK.

Visit East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Featured image of highly commended Volunteer Terry Southgate, by Air Ambulances UK