At Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) we are delighted to mark Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June), a national celebration of the contribution made by volunteers. Alongside millions of others across the UK, our volunteers generously give their time to support a cause that saves lives every day.
We’re fortunate to have 155 dedicated KSS volunteers, who help us in countless ways. From representing us at community events and festivals to collecting donations, giving talks to community groups as well as helping in our offices and at our Heli Hikes, Family Fun Days and Carol Concerts, their impact is felt across everything we do. We are truly grateful to all our volunteers for their valuable support.
KSS People Partner Angie Atkins said: “Volunteers’ Week is a chance to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our dedicated and selfless volunteers for everything they do for our charity. Their passion and commitment to KSS is truly inspiring.
“Whether out in communities, sharing their stories, supporting our teams, or helping behind the scenes, our volunteers are making a truly lifesaving difference”.
To mark the week, we spoke to some of our volunteers about why they chose to volunteer for KSS and what it means to them.
Kate Mellor, former patient.
“For me volunteering is a way of giving back to the charity that saved me. People always think the air ambulance is for someone else. Then suddenly one day it’s not someone else, it’s you.
“I love being a volunteer and getting out to help with fundraising and raising awareness because it takes me to all sorts of events and places that I wouldn’t normally go. If you are hesitating about volunteering for KSS, please just do it. I like the fact that you don’t have to commit to the same day and same time each week. You can look and see what you want to do and what you can manage at the time.”
Amelie Phillips
“My connection to KSS began in 2020 when the team attended to my dad after he suffered an aortic dissection. Seeing first-hand the incredible work they do and the difference they make to families during such difficult times inspired me to get involved and support the charity myself.
“As a volunteer, I have helped at various fundraising and community events, speaking with members of the public and helping raise awareness of the charity and its work. As well as this I ran the London Landmarks Half Marathon this year to raise money for KSS.
“What I enjoy most about volunteering is meeting new people and being able to support such an important cause that means a lot to me personally.”
Luke Tester
“I work as a doctor in an emergency department and frequently receive patients from KSS. I have seen the lifesaving benefits that our KSS crews have on the most critically unwell patients in the region. This inspired me to become a volunteer. Living in the middle of the KSS patch, I often see the crew flying overhead and know that my family is safer because of KSS. That’s a service I want to support.
“I’ve supported fundraising events and enjoyed meeting members of the community and other volunteers at both these events and at volunteer meet-ups. It’s been a real privilege to wear the KSS polo top and I look forward to doing more.”
Pete Cook
“I have been a KSS volunteer now for two years having retired from the police where I saw first-hand the enormous difference the service provides to those in need of immediate medical intervention.
“What I love about being a volunteer is you can pick and choose which events you would like to be involved with and meeting like-minded volunteers at training days.”
Phillipa Gilbert
“I visited KSS at Redhill with my mother-in-law after she won the monthly lottery. I was so inspired by what I heard I put my name forward to volunteer. I always knew when I retired that I wanted to volunteer and give something back. I’ve loved meeting new people and being a part of Team KSS. It’s fun, keeps you active and gives you a purpose whilst helping others.
“I’ve helped with the Carol Concert at Rochester Cathedral, which was quite magical, and also helping in the office sending out Christmas orders on various occasions. I have my name against a number of forthcoming events during the summer and am very much looking forward to them.”
As well as playing a vital role in supporting our work, volunteering with KSS offers the opportunity to use existing skills, develop new ones and meet new people, all while making a real difference. By joining Team KSS, volunteers become part of a dedicated and passionate team, united by a shared commitment to putting patients at the heart of everything we do, saving lives and ensuring the best possible patient outcomes
If you are keen to know more, please visit our volunteering section.
