Missions flown

947

Meet the Staff

Jane Gurney, Chief Executive Officer

Having worked for the Charity for over 5 years I took up the challenge of Executive Director in 2008. I have a responsibility to implement policies, sustain revenue, oversee governance and all management functions of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust reporting directly to the board of Trustees. Over the years I have been involved with fundraising, corporate development, events and marketing and now have the opportunity to put all my knowledge and skills into the day to day running of the Trust. Leading such a passionate team dedicated to providing life saving aircrafts in both Essex and Hertfordshire is extremely rewarding. Having the opportunity to feel that you are part of something that really does make a difference to people’s lives is truly special. It has been an exciting year with still more to come!

Andrew Bounds, Finance Director

I joined the Charity in 2006 having previously worked with another Air Ambulance charity. My role is one of supporting and providing information to the Trustees and Executive Director by monitoring and developing financial systems to provide good governance and control. As a Director of the company that operates the raffles and weekly lotteries for the charity I also have to keep up to date with Gambling Commission requirements. I am lucky to be working for such a good cause with such a great team of people.

Dawn Easby, Senior Herts Fundraising Coordinator

Having previously worked in the world of Radio, I was thrilled to become part of the Herts Air Ambulance team in July 2011. Over the previous nine or so years you might have encountered me brandishing radio station car stickers in various supermarket car parks (more often than not in the rain and sometimes in the snow), waved at me on a Cambridgeshire road dressed as a pantomime horse , heard me reporting on the road traffic in Peterborough, or laughed at little nuggets of my dating disasters on 106 Jack FM. As a travel reporter there, I also reported on rush hour roads and would hear about the Air Ambulance attending serious accidents.

I have a huge amount of respect for the life saving work that the Air Ambulance do and find it inspiring that all the funding for such an essential service, is provided through the incredible generosity and good will of the local community, businesses and schools. In my role as Fundraising Coordinator I hope to increase awareness of the Air Ambulance itself, enhance understanding of its charitable status and identify and maximise the many fundraising opportunities in Hertfordshire. Not to mention, having lots of fun whilst I'm at it! You can help us to keep flying and saving lives too, so - even if you've not thought about it before - please give me a call and we'll work some fundraising magic!

Michelle Yung, Herts Fundraising Coordinator

I recently joined the Charity to aid Dawn with raising funds and awareness throughout Hertfordshire. I have always been enthusiastic about helping people, which lead me to consider a career in pharmaceutical research. However, I found the volunteer work I did in my spare time at university more fulfilling and felt that I was better suited to working for a charity. As the Fundraising Coordinator, I hope to inspire as many people as I can to support Herts Air Ambulance and keep the helicopter flying!

Talissa Fernando, Herts Fundraising & Office Administrator

I joined the Charity in January 2012 as the Herts Fundraising and Office Administrator. My role involves being the first port of call for supporters, liaising with third party fundraisers and providing administrative support to the rest of the Herts Fundraising Team. You will see me at the Charity’s own events and in the Herts office if you pop in.

During university I volunteered for a Charity and was part of the committee who arranged fundraising events, which I thoroughly enjoyed! I have always had a passion for helping people and find the work Doctors and Paramedics do fascinating. I am excited about joining such a commendable organisation and cannot wait to get stuck in to help keep the Air Ambulances flying so we can save more lives!

Pam Withrington, Head of Marketing and Fundraising

I have been involved with the charity since 2004 and have a background in marketing, promotions and event management. My current role as Head of Marketing and Fundraising involves developing and overseeing many of new initiatives we are implementing across the Trust in order to generate much needed funds and raise the profile/awareness of both services. Many people are still surprised to learn that the Air Ambulances do not receive any funding but rely on the generosity and support of the people and businesses of both counties’. I head up an enthusiastic team dedicated to providing the very best Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Janice Flower, Lottery Manager

I have been with the Charity since 2003 and now manage the Lottery Department; it’s my responsibility to ensure that the Flight for Life Lottery runs smoothly and remains the main source of income for the Trust. It is the job of the Lottery Department to recruit and retain both Weekly Draw and Superdraw members so we are always looking for new ways to inform people about how important the Flight for Life Lottery is. We also organise the many Flight for Life Lottery Roadshows that tour both Essex and Hertfordshire….look out for us and come and say hello! I love informing Lottery players that they have won - handing over a cheque for £25,000 to our first lucky Superdraw winner was a real privilege. Twice yearly the Lottery Team runs a very successful Raffle incentive which has helped raise in excess of £300,000 for the Trust. I am passionate about the reasons why we need to fundraise – ultimately, the Air Ambulance is there to help save lives.

Jen Townsend, Lottery Administrator

I joined the Trust in May 2010 as a part time member of staff but have recently moved to the Lottery Department and full time work!! I am kept very busy processing new members, dealing with enquiries, writing to our members and most importantly doing the draw every week! Working for the charity is very rewarding, I love being part of such a hard working, enthusiastic team that are all striving to provide a life saving service to the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Ben Summers, Database Coordinator

I joined the Charity in 2009 as the Database Coordinator. My role includes maintaining our database of supporters and finding new ways to develop the way we handle data to maximize the efficiency of our marketing campaigns. My role also extends to helping with e-marketing. It a privilege to be part of a dedicated team and it feels good knowing that our efforts help save lives.

Holly Butler, Brand Development Coordinator

In 2006 I joined the Lottery Team; the Flight for Life Lottery is the main source of revenue for the Trust and helps to keep both the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances flying. In 2006 I joined the Lottery Team; the Flight for Life Lottery is the main source of revenue for the Trust and helps to keep both the Essex & Herts Air Ambulances flying.

I have since moved into the Communications Department working alongside our PR & Marketing Corodinator Hannah Ashby. My role involves management of all our websites, facebook and twitter pages, twice yearly raffles and other fundraising initiatives.

It’s a great feeling to know that our work will be helping so many people. I also enjoy attending many of the Charity events where there is always a good team spirit and lots to get stuck into. I feel very privileged to be working for such an important Charity which benefits the people of Essex and Herts.

Clare Calder, Trust Support Manager

I joined the Trust in April 2008 on a part-time basis to help support the fundraising team and the Executive Director. The days I spend here are incredibly varied, interesting … and busy! It is fantastic to be part of a dedicated, motivated and energetic team who are all so focused on the challenging goal of keeping both the Essex and Herts Air Ambulances flying.

Katie Oatham, Office Coordinator

I joined the trust in August 2010 as the Receptionist which has been very enjoyable. After a very busy year with the Trust I have now taken on the role as Office Coordinator looking after Facilities & Health and Safety across all our premises. The role is very varied and challenging and I look forward to busy times ahead. It’s great to work with such a dedicated and passionate team of people.

Cliff Gale, Operations Director

I come from a policing background having served 31 years in Sussex, the last 8 years of which managing the Air Operations Unit. My role as Operations Director is primarily to ensure the Trust is getting value for money from the contractors who provide aviation services as well as assisting them in maintaining an effective, safe operation and represent the Trust on a number of aviation based committees. I work closely with all contractors and my medical colleagues to provide continuous clinical excellence via our aero-medical operation.

Ramzi Freij, Medical Director

I am an A&E Consultant now based in Nottingham. Previously from Wye in Kent I was until recently based at the Kent and Canterbury hospital. As well as writing a number of publications, I am an instructor in paediatrics, major incidents, trauma and life support courses. I have also established a clinical governance group and developed minor injury units within A & E Departments.

Stuart Elms, Clinical Manager

On leaving school I spent 13 years serving with the Royal Marines. In 1999 I joined the London Ambulance Service qualifying as a Paramedic in 2001. Whilst there, I practiced as a Clinical Tutor, Emergency Care Practitioner and Motorcycle Response Paramedic. In 2007 I was selected to practice as a Paramedic on the London Air Ambulance, a role I enjoyed until joining the Charity.

The role of Clinical Manager for the Trust is extremely rewarding and interesting with every day bringing new challenges. It is a privilege to be working alongside such dedicated and passionate teams both within the Charity office and at our Aribases at Earls Colne and North Weald. All Charity staff along with our highly trained Pilots, Paramedics and Doctors are committed to providing the best possible care for the people of Essex and Hertfordshire.

Wendy Marcon, Events Manager

I joined the Charity in January 2005. In my role as Events Manager I organise all the Charity’s own events, from small fundraising days to huge events like the annual Motorcycle Run, Charity Balls and Dragon Boat Race to name but a few! Planning and organising events also means working with corporate partners to put sponsorships in place – without whom, these events would not be possible! It’s a daily challenge, but one I love!! It’s great to be part of such a fantastic team where everyone has a genuine passion for what they do.

Jayne Shaw, Herts Volunteer Administrator

Having recently joined the charity as the Volunteer Administrator, my main role is to support and encourage our volunteers whose help is essential to the charity. Our volunteers raise thousands of pounds each year and help in many different ways, from giving talks to running merchandise stalls for us at various events. I hope to recruit new volunteers which will help ensure we continue to raise the necessary funds and support that the charity needs to continue providing such a vitally important and life saving service.

Mark Brown, Finance and IT Manager

I have been with the Charity since December 2004. My role is to maintain the day to day financial management of the charity, to assist the Financial Director with the provision of financial information to the Trustees and Executive Director. I also oversee the fundraising office IT Systems. It is great to work with such a motivated group of people who are passionate about saving lives.

Jenny Beck, Lottery Administrator

Joining the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust in September 2006 was an exciting opportunity to make the most of my accounting and customer service skills. My responsibilities now include aspects of Trust finances and the role of Health and Safety Officer. At times I represent the Charity at events, it’s great meeting and talking to lots of interesting people. It is fantastic to be working alongside others who have boundless energy and enthusiasm for a cause in which we all sincerely believe.

Aderyn Gillett, Special Projects Coordinator

I joined the charity on a full time basis in July 2003 initially working with volunteers and the media. I then became Comunications Manager, a varied role that included creating the websites you see today. I am now with the charity on a part time basis working on internal communication projects. It continues to be a great privilege to work for the chartiy as part of a great team and I'm proud to be part of an organisation that makes such a difference to peoples lives.

Hannah Ashby, PR & Marketing Coordinator

I joined the Trust in February 2009 as PR Assistant. My role is extremely varied, I am responsible for all the PR activity, looking after our brand and overseeing the website amongst other things. I absolutely love working here; no two days are the same! It is an absolute privilege to work with such a dedicated team of people, and knowing that our day to day activities are making a difference to people’s lives.

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