Success at national air ambulance Awards of Excellence

Air Ambulances UK held its 2025 Awards of Excellence on Wednesday 3 December

Celebrating the people and projects that go above and beyond to support lifesaving air ambulance services across the country. Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) was honoured to be named a finalist in five categories, securing one win and receiving three highly commended recognitions—an outstanding achievement that highlights the charity’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community impact.

Breaking Barriers – Highly Commended: Access to PHEM Programme
GWAAC’s Access to Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) programme was highly commended for its exceptional work in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Led by GWAAC’s Trainee Critical Care Doctors, the programme supports hospital doctors—particularly those from underrepresented groups, including women—who aspire to work in pre-hospital emergency care. Through structured mentorship, guidance, and educational opportunities, the initiative helped five local trainees secure competitive PHEM roles this year.

Medical Director Dr Andy Locker praised the team’s efforts, highlighting how targeted support can help break down traditional barriers and open pathways into specialist pre-hospital careers.

Innovation of the Year – Highly Commended: Junior Hearts
Still in its pilot phase, GWAAC’s Junior Hearts initiative was also highly commended for Innovation of the Year. Designed to inspire the next generation of lifesavers, the programme introduces the basics of CPR to children at Key Stage One and lays the groundwork for more advanced training in later school years.

Supported by National Highways’ Social Values Fund and created with Hook Studio, the resources are fun, remote-deliverable, and accessible—complete with pillowcases for CPR practice. Education Coordinator Kate Amor emphasised the importance of early confidence-building, noting that helping children feel capable and prepared can translate into lifesaving action as they grow older.

Young Person of the Year – Highly Commended: Sophie Pascoe
Young fundraiser Sophie Pascoe from Weston-super-Mare received a highly commended recognition in the Young Person of the Year category. Following the loss of her grandfather in 2024, Sophie set out to give back to the crew who responded that day. Over 12 months, she raised more than £6,000 by completing two remarkable swimathon challenges—first swimming 21 miles, the equivalent of crossing the English Channel, and later a 40-mile challenge mirroring the height of Mount Everest.

GWAAC Events Manager Charlie Rowen commended Sophie’s dedication, calling her achievements both inspiring and deeply meaningful.

Charity Volunteer of the Year – Finalist: Holly Sheehan, Family and Friends
Holly Sheehan and her family reached the finalist stage in the Charity Volunteer of the Year category. After losing her brother Luke in 2018, Holly has channelled her grief into action, helping the family surpass their milestone fundraising goal of £30,000—ultimately raising more than £40,000 in Luke’s memory.

Head of Fundraising Ian Cantoni described Holly’s efforts as a powerful example of love and resilience.

Supplier of the Year – Winner: FLT Group
GWAAC’s win came through its partnership with FLT Group, which was named Supplier of the Year. For more than three years, FLT Group has provided dependable facilities support, particularly during a challenging year of rising operational pressures. Their responsiveness and willingness to step in during emergencies were praised by Facilities Manager Sean Coles.

GWAAC CEO Anna Perry and Air Ambulances UK Interim CEO Lindsay Boswell both expressed pride in all finalists and winners, recognising their vital contributions to keeping air ambulance services running for communities in need.

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