East Anglian Air Ambulance memorial service

In September, bereaved families were offered the opportunity to come together at a very special memorial service, held at Norwich Cathedral and led by the Revd Canon Aidan Platten, to remember loved ones who died following an incident attended by East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Over 300 people attended, highlighting just how many people valued this opportunity to come together, remember, and feel supported. Everybody who attended was given a knitted flower to wear; these were kindly knitted by some of our supporters.

We heard from Amanda Leathers, mum of Dan, and Tracey Oates, Mum of Josh who both spoke movingly about their sons.

Giving a reading, East Anglian Air Ambulance’s Dr Brendan Fletcher explained ‘What we wish we could have said to you at the time’, speaking directly to the family and friends in the audience. He spoke of treating grief, not trying to cure it, and the bravery shown by everyone who had attended that night. He spoke about East Anglian Air Ambulance providing the very best clinical care when the very worst happens, and that if something could have been done, it would have been, reinforcing our commitment to providing the very best care possible.

A photo slide show of loved ones and the lighting of candles preceded an uplifting rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and prayers, which were led by the Revd David Hagan Palmer and Revd Stuart Wood, chaplains for East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Juliet attended to remember a loved one. She said, “It was heartening to be invited to the service as, once again, we felt the full support of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Aftercare Team. To sit with some of those we met through the Bereavement Support Group also reminded me how lucky I am to have that support too. Although we are not religious we felt, as a family, it was right to attend to honour all those who were represented that evening. The whole service was professionally executed with readings, the choir singing and we all had the chance to light a candle which felt very special.  The rolling screen was very moving, particularly seeing John’s photo but, once again, we felt included and supported. After we departed, we raised a glass of Guinness to John in a nearby pub, so we felt we had completed the evening honouring and remembering him.”

Sally attended to remember her dad. She said, “Attending the remembrance service was a deeply emotional experience. Seeing my dad’s photo appear on the screen brought back so many memories and was a particularly poignant moment for our family.

The music, the readings and the beautiful choir all helped to create a sense of comfort and reflection. However, what stood out most were the words spoken by Dr Brendan. His message was kind, caring, heartfelt and incredibly personal. It felt as though he truly understood the emotions everyone in the cathedral was experiencing.”

Sally adds, “I am so pleased that we attended the service. It was a fitting and touching way to remember loved ones, and we left feeling comforted and supported.”

Natalie Ashley, Clinical Liaison Lead with East Anglian Air Ambulance, said, “Thank you to everyone who joined us at the memorial service. Coming together to remember someone you love takes courage, and it meant so much to share that space with families.”

Hymns were sung by the Norwich Cathedral Chamber Choir, the service was kindly sponsored by Westbridge Food Group Ltd, and it was supported by many of the volunteers who regularly support our Aftercare service, for which we are hugely thankful.

Natalie adds, “We hope the evening brought some comfort. It was an honour and privilege to join with our families in remembering their loved ones.”

Keep an eye on our website and social media for details of future services.