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The Air Ambulance Service thanks dedicated Derbyshire volunteer
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 Air Ambulance Service’s charity. It could not operate its 24/7 frontline services and continue to save lives without the support of its dedicated volunteers – such as Belper’s Richard Fletcher.
Community Representative for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland Air Ambulance (DLRAA), Richard Fletcher, has dedicated 10 years volunteering for the charity, and his incredible efforts have brought in a staggering £431,541 – funding over 250 potentially lifesaving missions!
“Having been a volunteer with the Air Ambulance Service for nearly 10 years, I am fuelled by a sense of pride and achievement every time I see the helicopter out and about, knowing that every tin I empty, every event I attend, each bucket I hold, and every talk I give, fuels our helicopters and supports the crew in saving lives,” says Richard.
Throughout the years, Richard has participated in a lot of volunteering alongside his family, as commitment to volunteering has always been a fundamental element of their core family life and values.
And although they’ve had the good fortune of never needing the vital services of their local DLRAA, they choose to continuously support the charity as it has such a positive and profound impact in the local Derbyshire community.
“Through volunteering, I have discovered that there are many people who are thankful that the air ambulance was there to help them in their time of need, and that they’re still here to live their lives and share their story – which is the reward of volunteering that money can’t buy,” adds Richard.
Richard – along with all The Air Ambulance Service’s volunteers – will be celebrated and thanked by the charity during this year’s Volunteers’ Week, for the invaluable difference he makes.
Head of Volunteering for the charity, Sue Haslett adds:
“This Volunteers’ Week, The Air Ambulance Service is celebrating the fantastic contribution of all our volunteers, like Richard.
“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 Richard Fletcher for his incredible dedication, and to each and every other volunteer for their ongoing support which helps us to save lives.”
The Air Ambulance Service want to provide volunteers with a fulfilling and satisfying experience that comes with a range of benefits including new skills, increased confidence, friendships and the opportunity to make a difference to people in need.