London’s Air Ambulance Charity is one of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals’ main charities, to which we have made an annual donation of £1,000 over a number of years. Consequently the Master received an invitation to their Autumn Reception on 9 November at Freemason’s Hall. Unfortunately for the Master he had already committed to another event so, as Middle Warden, I was lucky enough to be asked to represent him at a most enjoyable and informative reception.

The event was attended by Masters and Wardens from other Livery Companies as well as many other supporters of London’s Air Ambulance Charity. We were welcomed by Jonathan Jenkins, the CEO of the charity, who explained the background to its ‘Up Against Time Appeal’ – which is seeking funds to replace its two helicopters by Autumn 2024. The charity still needs £7 million to meet their £15 million target. To save lives, London’s Air Ambulance must remain in the skies and it relies heavily on public donations – not government funding.  

To emphasise the importance of London’s Air Ambulance Charity and what it can do to save lives, we heard an extremely powerful story from one of the paramedics who attended a road traffic incident in 2022 when a young lady had suffered life threatening injuries. Had it not been for London’s Air Ambulance, she would not have survived, as a normal road ambulance would have taken too long to reach the incident and subsequently to transport her to hospital. It was an excellent reminder that London’s Air Ambulance brings the medical treatment and hospital to the patient, not the other way around. Major surgery can be performed at the site of the incident so all the doctors and paramedics are hugely qualified and skilled to perform these treatments. In the first six months of 2023 London’s Air Ambulance was there for 1,007 critically injured patients. Just think – that could so easily be one of us, at any time or place.  

The lady herself who had been in the accident then spoke to the audience. It was amazing to see her mobile and well enough to do this. Her story and powerful words resonated with everyone. It was a privilege to meet her afterwards and wish her well.

It was a huge honour to attend this event and to meet some of the frontline doctors and paramedics who give so much of themselves to save lives. We should also not forget the very skilled pilots of the two helicopters who often land in the most difficult and challenging locations within London. Of course the charity would not survive without the support of the office staff who perform the very important – and often unseen – roles.

London’s Air Ambulance Charity appreciates all the support and donations which it receives and I am so thankful that the WCoSP continues to support this great charity. So the next time you see the red helicopter flying over London, please take a moment to think about its work and the wonderful people who make it happen.

Sue Jones, Middle Warden.