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Northamptonshire volunteer receives platinum award from lifesaving charity

Saying thank you is the theme of Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), when charities and organisations celebrate the unpaid work done by millions of volunteers across the UK.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance’s (WNAA) charity. It could not operate its 24/7 frontline services and continue to save lives without the support of its dedicated volunteers – such as WNAA volunteer, Stuart King.
Stuart – from Bugbrooke, Northamptonshire – has had a lifelong interest in aviation which formed part of his career, and is one of the reasons for supporting the lifesaving helicopter service.
“The actual motivation for supporting the worthy cause came in 2006 when the helicopter landed near my home on a mission. I gave the crew directions to an address and then went round to see the helicopter,” explained Stuart.
“Talking to the pilot, he mentioned that volunteers were needed to raise funds and promote the service; this seemed an interesting mix of my knowledge,” he added.
Since Stuart began volunteering for the vital cause, he’s brought in an astonishing £31,080.15 for the vital service through community collections, events, and being a community speaker.
“I’m helping to support a most valuable lifesaving resource. I’ve spoken to people whose loved ones have been patients, they quote the fantastic skills and fast response delivered by the crews in some very challenging traumas.
“I find it a privilege to be just a very small part of the charity and to meet and work with some extremely dedicated people,” expressed Stuart.
Stuart – along with all the charity’s volunteers – will be celebrated and thanked by the charity during this year’s Volunteers’ Week which also coincides with the charity’s celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Stuart will be presented with a platinum award for his long service and will be invited to the charity café tea parties and receive a special Jubilee mug- to mark the regal milestone.
Head of Volunteering for the charity, Sue Haslett commented: “Our volunteers help in a variety of different ways across the charity, whether they’re raising funds out in the community, supporting in our offices or warehouse, delivering projects, or helping in our shops – every hour that they give makes a difference.
“We couldn’t operate without them, and I’d like to say a big thank you to Stuart for his incredible dedication, and to each other volunteer for their ongoing support which helps us to save lives.
“We hope our volunteers enjoy the Jubilee celebrations. Every one of our volunteers already wears a crown, which they should wear with pride, as they are our volunteer royalty.”
The charity hails over 1,200 dedicated volunteers – and with over 50 different volunteering roles- it’s always looking for more people to donate their time or expertise.
“Volunteering has been interesting and a pleasure. Meeting people of all ages and backgrounds where one theme has always been obvious- there is massive public goodwill and support for this valuable service.
“I’m able to approach new organisations to present opportunities for them to support WNAA, becoming a small bridge between goodwill and possibly saving a life,” added Stuart.