We couldn’t do what we do without our volunteers. They’re a brilliant mix of people who give their time and skills in so many ways to help us save lives – and we’re so thankful to every single one of them. In 2025, they collectively gave 16,681 hours of their time to the charity. This had a total value of over £250,000. This Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June 2026) we’re saying a thank you and celebrating all our volunteers and their lifesaving impact across our region.
Mum and daughter Jane and Emma, from Cambridgeshire, are volunteers with East Anglian Air Ambulance, Jane since 2018 and Emma since 2020. In that time, they’ve grabbed opportunities to be involved in a wide variety of events and activities – and have loved every moment! From marshalling to bucket collections, to supporting office work and events, they’ve been proud to represent the charity and connect with their community in a wide range of ways.
Jane explains what led her to initially support East Anglian Air Ambulance,
“Ten years ago, a close friend’s granddaughter was involved in a horrendous car accident. Her survival was nothing short of remarkable, thanks to the swift response of the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the incredible care she received at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. I’m very pleased to say that she survived – and that experience left a lasting impression on me.”
When Jane retired, she knew that she wanted to give something back – and volunteering with East Anglian Air Ambulance felt like the perfect way to do just that.
“I haven’t regretted it for a moment,” Jane adds.
She has taken part in supermarket collections, supported the Only The Brave muddy obstacle course event multiple times, helped at lambing days, and collected at football matches, to name just a few.
“Every role has been rewarding in its own way,” she says. “One of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering has been the people I’ve met. I’ve spoken with individuals whose lives have been saved by East Anglian Air Ambulance, families who have been supported through difficult times, and many others who simply want to show their appreciation for the charity’s work. These encounters are humbling and deeply inspiring.”
What makes the volunteering experience even more special for Jane is that she does it alongside her daughter, Emma, who stepped in to help one day, loved it so much and hasn’t looked back.
“After just a few events, I knew I wanted to do more. I signed up as a regular volunteer – and now, more than six years later, I’m still loving every moment,” Emma explains.
Like her mum, Emma truly values the chances to connect with people in their local community, as well as having opportunities to experience new places and events.
“We meet such amazing people when we’re volunteering and wearing our red East Anglian Air Ambulance shirts. People just come over and start talking to us.”
While some people will want to learn more about our crews and their 24/7 lifesaving work, others have other experiences – either they know somebody who was treated by the crew, they are a former patient themselves, or they had a loved one who – despite the best efforts of the crew – didn’t survive.
“Bereaved family members have told us that even though the crew didn’t manage to save their loved one, they know nothing could have been done differently; they had the best possible chance because effectively the hospital was already at their side,” Emma says.
Emma and Jane have fun too. Emma recalls volunteering at Only The Brave on one of the muddy obstacles and giving the participants a much-needed boost by welcoming them to the “mud spa!”
“We could hear the runners chuckling as they passed! We do have a good laugh together. It’s great to do something so worthwhile – but doing it with your best friend is especially rewarding.”
Our plan for a new Cambridge Air Base is also an exciting prospect for Jane and Emma who, in East Cambridgeshire are just a few miles away from the planned location in Fulbourn and in an area frequently attended by our Anglia Two (Cambridge) crew.
“People we meet are already talking about the Cambridge Air Base Appeal; they’re really interested in it,” Emma says. “It’s also great to meet people who have heard about the appeal and have already made a donation.”
14.2 million people in the UK have formally volunteered at least once a month, with 25 million people volunteering informally at least once during 2024 (source: volunteersweek.org). But it’s not just about giving back to the community, it’s about what can be gained too.
Emma continues, “Supporting East Anglian Air Ambulance doesn’t just make a difference to others – it makes a difference to me too. I work in a very stressful job, and volunteering gives me much-needed perspective. It reminds me that even when I’ve had a really hard day, it’s just that – a bad day, not a bad life. Being part of something that saves lives genuinely changes how you see the world.
“It’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve met some truly amazing people and heard stories that stay with you long after the day ends. It gets me out of the house, takes me to places I’d never normally go, and gives me a sense of purpose that’s hard to put into words.”
Emma’s Mum Jane agrees and adds, “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to be part of something truly special. It’s not just about giving time – it’s about connection, community, and making a real difference.
“I would encourage anyone considering volunteering to take that first step. You never know the impact it might have – not only on others, but on yourself as well.”
A heart felt thank you to Emma, Jane and every single person who has given their time and skills to East Anglian Air Ambulance in some way. Your impact is huge and you’re truly valued – not just during Volunteers’ Week – but all year round.
If you’ve been inspired, join our crew by becoming a volunteer. Whether you’d like to volunteer individually or with friends or family, like Emma and Jane, we’d love to hear from you.
Related News
