This week is Volunteers’ Week – an annual celebration of the time, skills and enthusiasm donated to good causes by individuals up and down the UK so we’re flying the flag for the incredible community of people who volunteer their time to be ambassadors for EAAA in a variety of ways.

Three of those are volunteers Jean (Grandmother), Chrissie (Daughter) and Megan (Granddaughter) from Cambridgeshire – three generations from one family who choose to donate their time to help save lives.

Grandmother Jean explains how she became involved:

“I became a volunteer over 20 years ago when EAAA came to my Women’s Institute to tell us all about the charity and how we could help by volunteering to fundraise it all began from there.”

Over the years, Jean has attended many bucket collections helping to raise money to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road: “I’ve had a bucket on my arm in so many venues I have lost count!” One of her favourite events was going to the races in Newmarket where she recalls that the donations would be high for racegoers who had a lucky day.

“I also enjoyed attending Open Farm days and, in the past, luncheons organised by the Lacey family when the helicopter always manage to arrive and give those attending a closer up look – or was it that the crew wanted lunch?!” She jokes.

EAAA offers many other opportunities to get involved. This could be donating skills, such as helping others to learn CPR, or helping at some of our flagship events, such as Trek 24 and Only The Brave (we couldn’t do these events without our army of support!)

Daughter Chrissie and granddaughter Megan are also event volunteers with EAAA following Megan’s previous work placement with the charity. This gave her a good insight into EAAA and the role of volunteers. “We got involved because mum had volunteered for many years too.” Chrissie says.

Volunteering around their work and home commitments, the trio mainly help at weekend events: “We always enjoy marshalling and cheering at various events, especially Only The Brave. When we’re volunteering, we meet a lot of very interesting people. We feel we are helping in a small way but enjoying ourselves and spending time together.” Chrissie continues.

We always aim for volunteers to gain as much as they give and to feel pride at the impact they have.

Since July 2023 (to April 2024), EAAA volunteers have collectively given 8,250 hours of their time, which is the equivalent to funding 30 life-saving missions.

Jean has also previously given talks to groups and, while a fractured hip means she has been “out of action” recently, Jean can’t wait to be out and about again to help spread the word about EAAA.

“It is so rewarding when someone comes up to you and says that their loved one was helped by EAAA, and they say thank you. I am proud of being associated with this fantastic organisation helping to save lives, and it’s brilliant to be able to enjoy volunteering alongside my daughter and granddaughter.”

Thank you to Jean, Chrissie and Megan and all of the incredible volunteers who donate their time and skills to EAAA on a regular and occasional basis to save lives across the region.

We completely depend on a dedicated, diverse and flexible group of individuals who volunteer to support us in delivering this life-saving service.

Learn more about what volunteering with EAAA could offer you.