Air ambulance crews in East Anglia were flying high this week after being confirmed as being among the best in the country.
East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) has won three awards at the National Association of Air Ambulance Awards for Excellence.
Captain Steve Norris, from Norwich, was named Pilot of the Year following a decade of service; fundraiser Jamie Edgehill, from Cromer, was awarded the title of Volunteer of the Year after raising over £600,000 for the charity in just 12 years; and the EAAA's Medical Director Alastair Wilson - who founded the first air ambulance service in the country - was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for nearly 30 years of service.
The awards, held in London last week, celebrated the life-saving work carried out by air ambulance charities across Britain and honoured those who have made an exemplary contribution to the work of their charities.
Congratulating the winners on their awards, Patrick Peal, the EAAA's Chief Executive Officer, said: 'I am incredibly proud of EAAA. These three gentlemen are great examples of the dedication, commitment and passion shown by all of our staff every day. We are so grateful to have people who go above and beyond the call of duty for what they believe in, who share their passion for innovation and quality with us.'
Pilot of the Year - Captain Steve Norris
Mr Norris, 50 from Norwich, has worked with EAAA for 10 years and shown an enormous amount of dedication and commitment to his role as a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) pilot.
Working with the EAAA's clinical teams and fundraisers, his citation states that he has shown that he is always willing to help, no matter how big or small the task.
Mr Norris, who was described as 'a very experienced pilot', said: 'Thank you to all of the charity and supporters who allow us to operate the air ambulance. Even after ten years of doing the job I still look forward to going to work each morning. It is also a lovely feeling at the end of the day to know we've helped someone out in their hour of need.'
Volunteer of the Year - Jamie Edghill
Mr Edghill, 73 from Cromer, became a volunteer for EAAA over 12 years ago when he retired having had a long career with the fire service.
He began his journey as a collection box volunteer, which he continues to do. He also visits local schools to educate children and young people about the vital work of the emergency services and the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
He has raised over £600,000 for the charity since becoming a volunteer.
Mr Edghill said: 'I feel very honoured to receive this award for something I really enjoy doing. Over the years I have made many friends raising money for this life saving charity. I am most grateful to everyone who helped with this nomination.'
Lifetime Achievement Award - Alastair Wilson
Mr Wilson, 68, from Great Massingham, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of his continued work with air ambulances both in the UK and further afield.
He was pivotal in the creation of the London Air Ambulance, the first in the country, and worked for nearly 30 years in an active HEMS role.
He has been the EAAA Medical Director since 2014, as well as being a skilled surgeon and well respected by all his colleagues.
Mr Wilson said: 'I was utterly shocked to receive this award. I had no idea my colleagues had nominated me. It's an honour, but my work is certainly not finished yet!'
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