Hidden Heroes recognised for charity commitment

A group of six dedicated volunteers have been recognised nationally as Hidden Heroes for the tireless efforts they provide to your local air ambulance.

Each of the worthy recipients has been recognised by Room to Reward which is a unique volunteer recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to the Hidden Heroes who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it.

The following volunteers have been recognised for their support given freely to Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland Air Ambulance or Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance:

• Alastair Parker – Leicestershire & Rutland volunteer
• Connor Sturgess – Wigston Home volunteer
• Janet Hurrell – Rugby office volunteer
• Pam & Chris Larsen – Northampton community volunteers
• Pat Bath – Belper shop volunteer

Rooms to Reward partners with 300 hotels across the country who donate their unsold rooms to charities and their nominated Hidden Heroes for a break.

Hidden Heroes are exactly that. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things, whilst asking for nothing in return. The six nominations received their nominations in service to TAAS because: 

• Alastair Parker joined TAAS as a volunteer in September 2016. He has always made a fantastic contribution as one of our key community volunteers within Leicestershire and Rutland. Over recent months, due to the pandemic, Ally has pioneered the use of virtual talks. These have ensured that the charity can continue to promote its work to a range of different audiences despite not being able to be there in person. He has also trained other volunteers in how to deliver virtual talks.
• Connor Sturgess joined The Air Ambulance Service in September 2018 supporting the Wigston Home Shop, as well as Daventry Home. He mainly volunteers as a driver’s mate on the collection/delivery van. This involves collecting furniture donations from across the community and delivering them to the shop(s). Connor’s commitment and dedication has enabled the charity to keep its collection/delivery service running when resources have been stretched. It has also allowed other drivers to support the charity elsewhere when needed including covering other geographical areas, PAT testing, and attending training courses.
• Janet Hurrell has been a committed volunteer with The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS) since January 2017 when she joined the Supporter Care team. For more than two years she has provided consistent and high-quality customer service to hundreds of TAAS supporters. Janet is not afraid to get stuck into a meaty project and will always give 110% in what she does.  Janet has a lovely tone and manner when speaking to our supporters on the phone. She truly understands our mission of improving the supporter’s experience and has really helped us to shape the way in this.
• Pam and Chris Larsen have been volunteering in the community of Northamptonshire since 2014. The number of hours that they have given to the charity is unmeasurable, they are out consistently during the week and weekends in their own time fundraising for the charity and in all weathers. They are always seeking fundraising opportunities and spreading awareness. They also have a significant number of tins which they are collecting and replacing, taking the time to count and bank the money raised, and sending Thank you letters to the supporters for having our tins on their premises.
• Pat Bath has been a volunteer in the Belper Shop since May 2013. She is well known across the town and on local buses as the face of the Air Ambulance Service. She regularly works from 9 until 1every Monday, Friday and Saturday. Pat likes working on the till and interacting with customers. She always has a cheery smile and hello for everyone. She takes great care of the jewellery cabinet, ensuring that the stock is rotated regularly and well presented. Pat is also brilliant at explaining gift aid to people making donations, therefore maximising income for the charity.
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