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John Tickner, Chief Executive  

 

I have been involved with helicopter operations since 1990 when I first began work as a Police Officer on the Sussex helicopter, doing both police and air ambulance front line work.


Since 2002, I have been working solely for this charity, responsible for the safe, effective and efficient running of our helicopter operations. My job involved directing the strategic management of our operation both in our local delivery as well as where we fit into the national development of the air ambulance industry. I became Acting Chief Executive in 2009 so I am also the link between the Trustee Board and the staff, ensuring full clinical and governance compliance.


I have the privilege of leading a very dedicated team of Doctors, Paramedics, Pilots, a Nurse and a very professional team of charity staff. I regard myself as a very lucky man.


I never imagined that I would have a career in charity, or that it could be so rewarding.

Leigh Curtis, Director of Operations  

 

Apart from my time spent away at university where I studied law, I have lived in this area all my life and feel exceptionally proud to work for the Air Ambulance Trust.

 

I started my clinical career in 1996 with Kent Ambulance Service and after qualifying as a paramedic worked operationally for many happy years.  I was fortunate to be able to progress into clinical training, education and management culminating with my appointment as Executive Officer of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

 

I have been with the Air Ambulance since 2007 where I am the Director of Operations for the Air Ambulances covering Kent, Surrey and Sussex. I feel exceptionally privileged to be able to be part of a team which is so passionate about delivering world class pre-hospital patient care to the people of Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

 

I still live in Kent with my partner Lucy who is also a pre-hospital clinician.
Dr. Ramzi Freij, Medical Director  

 

Dr. Ramzi Freij divides his time between our charity and our partners, the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust.

Ramzi has been a Consultant since 1996 and qualified over twenty years ago.


As well as writing a number of publications, Ramzi is an instructor in paediatrics, major incidents, trauma and life support courses that have all been attended by the current Air Ambulance charity air crew.


Ramzi has also established a clinical governance group and developed minor injury units within A & E Departments.
Beverley Thorne, Head of Charity Services  

 

I moved to Kent from London many years ago bringing with me various experiences, mainly in advertising and telecommunications.

 

Apart from assisting John, I am finding my role as Head of Charity Services, very exciting. The next few months are going to be extremely challenging for me, as this is going to involve implementing new working procedures and an organizational plan for the year.

 

Out of work, my passion for riding takes up most of my spare time, and for those of you who own horses, you know that there isn’t a lot of time for anything else.

Jill Playle, Director of Communications  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in early 2005 having previously worked for a regional media company.


As Director of Communications, my role is predominantly about the message of the charity.

 

This involves raising awareness of the Air Ambulance through the media, pan regional initiatives and brand management.

 

The last three years have been busy, exciting and, at times, challenging. However, I am privileged to have been a part of the charity’s success, and count myself very lucky to have the opportunity to contribute to what is a very worthwhile and valuable service.

Ian Bennett, Finance Manager  

 

I am very much enjoying my new career in charity heading up the finance function. It is my direct task to produce budgets, monthly management accounts and the Annual Report for both the Trust and its trading subsidiary. I am also part of the Management Team which assists the Chief Executive in taking the organisation forward.


Having lived in the county all my life I consider it a great honour to work for such a well loved Kentish charity.

Lynne Mitchell, Lottery & Merchandising Manager  

 

I joined the Trust in July 2004, as a part time Lottery Assistant. I’ve worked my way up through the ranks, and now manage our regular lottery and our Superdraw. The lotteries are a great source of income to the Charity, as are the Summer Draw raffles, for which I am also responsible.

 

I also oversee the merchandising side of our business.  This includes, ordering stock, maintaining stock levels and ensuring that our volunteers, when representing the charity at talks and events, have enough goods to sell to our supporters.

 

I love working for the Air Ambulance.  It’s a vital, life saving cause, and I am proud to be part of such a fantastic team

Lynn Hyder, Kent County Fundraiser  

 

I was thrilled to be appointed as the Kent County Fundraiser for such a worthwhile local charity in March 2007. My role involves working on both community and corporate fundraising initiatives to raise funds and awareness for the charity.


My past work experience is varied however I am predominantly from an insurance broking background. My charitable work started three years ago during which time I organised numerous events and raised over £50,000.


I feel extremely privileged to work alongside such a professional and dedicated team of people!

Julie Jenkinson, Surrey County Fundraiser  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in January 2006 initially to raise awareness and to secure funding for Surrey to have its very own air ambulance service and I’m really proud that due to the generosity of the people of Surrey we were able to launch this life saving service in June 2007.


I work on community and corporate fundraising initiatives within Surrey, continuing to keep awareness high for the charity which is an important part of my job and I do this through talks to schools, clubs and organisations, cheque presentations, events and the media.


The challenges that I face within my role give me a great deal of satisfaction. I am very fortunate to be part of such a professional team, who strive to ensure that the service provided by the Surrey Air Ambulance remains in being for generations to come.

Bridget Pepper, East Sussex County Fundraiser  

 

I have lived in Sussex since childhood and was delighted to join the trust in April 2009, in the role of East Sussex County Fundraiser.


Having previously been employed as a fundraising manager for two national charities, it is wonderful to now have the opportunity to work for my local Air Ambulance.


With the assistance of a wonderful team of volunteers, my job involves supporting groups, businesses, schools and individuals who are fundraising for the trust. Together we raise awareness and vital money to ensure that this fantastic service will continue to serve the local community.

Cheryl Johnson, West Sussex County Fundraiser  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in August 2010. For me I’ve landed my dream job! I’m delighted to be working for such a worthwhile local charity.

 

My role is to raise funds and awareness of the Air Ambulance across West Sussex, developing and supporting both community and corporate fundraising initiatives. This involves working closely with schools, businesses, clubs, organisations and the many individuals who so generously support us. I also work with a great team of volunteers who help raise awareness further by giving talks, presentations and attending events.

 

My previous experience includes managing communications and fundraising for regional and national charities as well as a stint in advertising.

 

No two days are the same, and I love the variety and challenges that my job brings. Being part of such a dedicated and professional team is a great privilege.

Amy Salter, Trainee Fundraiser  

 

I joined the Kent Air Ambulance in September 2008 after finishing my education with 3 A-Levels. My original role in the charity was to assist Lynne Mitchell, the Lottery & Merchandising Manager.


I was made to feel extremely welcome and I really enjoy working for the Air Ambulance so was thrilled to be offered the position of Trainee Fundraiser, in this role I assist Senior Fundraiser Lynn Hyder.

 

I feel really lucky to be part of this life saving charity.

Gillian Henley, Charity Services Co-ordinator  

 

I joined the Trust in September 2009 and work at our Dunsfold base.  I co ordinate the talks and events that our representatives attend and also arrange the base visits.  I work closely with the dedicated County Fundraisers and our loyal volunteers and support them in their efforts.

 

Having had a daughter airlifted the work of the Trust is very dear to my heart and I am delighted to be working with such a dedicated ‘crew’ of people – all of whom have made me feel very welcome.

Larry Culver, Facilities Manager  

 

I joined the team at Dunsfold in May 2007 and am responsible for the smooth running of our helicopter base. I also assist our Surrey and Sussex Fundraisers giving presentations to various local organisations to raise funds and awareness for the charity.

 

Prior to my work with the Air Ambulance I was a Traffic Sergeant with Sussex Police. As an operational officer dealing with serious road traffic collisions I worked closely with the Ambulance services. As an advanced motorcyclist I have a keen interest in road safety.

 

I feel privileged to work for the Air Ambulance and alongside such a professional and dedicated team of people

Veronica Wiseman, Future Funding Officer  

 

I joined the Trust firstly as a Volunteer in 1998 attending events, cheque presentations and maintaining collection boxes; a role which I thoroughly enjoyed. In 2005, I was extremely lucky to be employed as the Events and Volunteer Coordinator. After a fantastic 2½ years with the Events Team, I had a great opportunity to step into the role of Future Funding Officer.

 

My responsibility is to research and produce high quality written proposals to grant making trusts. It is very exciting to develop new regular donors and maintain their support and interest towards the air ambulance service.  In 2008 whilst still working with grants, I was promoted for a year to General Manager of the Dunsfold office base, helping to maintain the smooth running of the charity which was very exciting and rewarding.

 

In the 12 years I have been associated with the Kent Air Ambulance, I have met so many wonderful and supportive members of the public, and I feel proud to work with such a dedicated team at the Trust.

Stephen Johns, Fundraising Support Officer  

 

I started working for the Air Ambulance in 2004 as the Lottery Canvasser. I was then promoted to Lottery Administrator so I worked alongside Lynne, overseeing the day to day running of the Lottery. Then I left in June 2007 to work for a major Charity in East Kent.


In May 2008 I was honoured to be asked to return to the Air Ambulance family where I am now Fund Raising Support Officer working alongside Veronica and Caroline. I am the first point of contact for anyone who wants to hold an event to raise funds for us and I am responsible for sourcing volunteers to attend these events.


Working for a much respected Charity and with a great team is a privilege.

Caroline Cooper, Events & Volunteer Team  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in August 2007 working alongside Veronica Wiseman as part of the Events Team.


My main responsibilities are arranging for our Representatives to visit different organisations in regard to cheque presentations and talks about the work of the Air Ambulance. I also give assistance to groups and individuals who wish to fundraise for our charity either by holding an event or sponsored activity.

My role also includes the day to day management of our volunteers which includes making sure they have support in attending events on our behalf.

Shirley Brown, Part Time Collection Box Coordinator  

 

I have worked for the Air Ambulance Trust since February 2007, as a part time receptionist in the afternoons.


My duties include answering the telephone, franking post, ordering our stationary, writing thank-you letters and generating certificates along with assisting the fundraising team.


I am also responsible for our vast number of collection boxes which are allocated all over Kent. Accurately recording their locations and ensuring they have been placed with the correct paperwork this involves communicating closely with our volunteers. We now have approximately 3,000 boxes placed throughout the county.

Jamie Cheshire, Press Officer  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in February, 2010, having spent 12 years as a journalist at a press agency and local newspapers in Sussex. I fancied a change of direction in my career and was delighted to be given an exciting opportunity to work for such a worthwhile charity and “cut and thrust” emergency service. It certainly makes a change from working in an office in a town centre, to an air base out in the sticks!


My new role is to boost the profile of the charity across the region but with greater emphasis on East and West Sussex, and Surrey. It is a massive area to cover but one that will undoubtedly keep me busy. I really do feel honoured and privileged to be part of the team at Marden and Dunsfold.


Outside of work, my hobbies include mountain bike riding and playing snooker. As a keen motorcyclist, I am also a big motor-racing fan.

 

Nicci Chrisp, Media & Website Coordinator  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in June 2008. My role involves liaising with the local press and media, informing the public of our regional news and events, and managing all the content on our three charity websites.

I also assist our Director of Communications, which can involve a range of tasks from promoting fundraising initiatives, events and marketing to liaising with our generous community and corporate donors.
Helping to raise awareness for our Air Ambulances is essential on both a local and national level. I am so happy to be a part of this life saving charity.
Jackie Dyson, Finance Assistant  

 

I joined the Kent Air Ambulance Trust in January 2007, what a perfect start to the year. To be part of the Air Ambulance Trust is a very honourable position.


My role is in Finance – assistant to Ian Bennett. My primary tasks are all bookkeeping duties which include the purchase ledger, banking and reconciling all the donations received.


These may range from postal donations and collection boxes to monies raised at charity and promotional events.


Outside of the office, my whole time is taken up competing in dressage events with my home bred horse and walking my dogs

Jackie Homden, Lottery Assistant  

 

I have worked for the Air Ambulance for 7 years and have had a variety of roles since joining the Charity. 


My present position is as Part-time Lottery Administrator. I assist the Lottery Manager, dealing with everyday queries from existing and prospective members.

Katie Underdown, Lottery & Merchandising Assistant  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance in February 2009. I assist Lynne Mitchell in the Lottery & Merchandise department. A typical day consists of adding new lottery members to the system, making up stock for volunteers to take to events, and processing BACS reports.

 

It is very rewarding to work for such a well loved local charity, the staff and volunteers are so friendly and welcoming, and it’s great to be a part of the team.

Becky Pavey, Part Time Morning Receptionist  

 

I joined the Trust in February 2007 as a part time receptionist. My role involves welcoming all the charity’s visitors to the base.


I am also responsible for updating the database with general donations and the ‘In Memoriam’ donations that the charity receives, however the main focus of my role is writing our thank you letters to our kind and generous donors. I live locally and really enjoy working for this local charitable organisation.

Chris Alexander, Part Time Afternoon Receptionist  

 

I joined the Air Ambulance staff in September 2009, and I have been made to feel very welcome.

I am the part time Afternoon Receptionist and my duties include welcoming visitors to the charity's base in Marden, answering the phone, ordering stationary and franking the post.

Having had personal experience of the service provided by the Air Ambulance, I feel lucky to be part of a local life-saving charity.

Mark Clayton, Data Program Administrator  

 

My role as Data Program Administrator is to maintain and update our ever expanding supporter database program; this includes data cleansing, processing Gift Aid entitlement, Payroll Giving and regular giving donations via standing orders.


I also administer the donations from the sponsorship website, Just Giving. I am also becoming increasingly involved in the IT work and am finding this very interesting.

It is a humbling sight every time I see G-KAAT take off from our Marden base and it reminds me what a fantastic life saving operation Kent has in the Air Ambulance team.

I am honoured and proud to be able to play a small part in the team that supports this service.

Kent Air Ambulance Registered Charity Number 1021367
Call us on 01622 833 833

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