Natalie Church
Natalie Church, Magpas Air Ambulance’s Director of Operations, thanks you for all you helped the charity to achieve last year…
“I’ve worked with the charity for 20 years now and am responsible for the operation of our 24/7 service. I can say, hand on heart, that the past year has been the toughest we’ve ever had to face. And to top it off, following a year of constant demands and challenges, our Operations Base flooded just before Christmas!
Something 2020 taught us though, is resilience. On Christmas Eve myself, our CEO and Medical Director were there in our wellies – mopping up, pulling up destroyed carpet and sourcing dehumidifiers. We were not going to let that stop us providing our lifesaving service over Christmas, and it didn’t. Despite operating from the kitchen, our amazing medical team responded to 40 emergency calls over the Christmas period and had their busiest New Year’s Eve shift in three years.
Although this year didn’t start afresh like we all hoped (and we’re still very much in the thick of it), I’ve found myself feeling inspired recently. I’ve always been in awe of the Magpas medical team, but I have a new-found respect for these incredible men and women and everything they do for us.
Despite battling the huge pressures our healthcare system is under they’ve done all they can to help in the fight against Covid-19. They are working around the clock in uncomfortable conditions and taking on gruelling hospital transfers, but continue to provide our patients with the very best emergency care.
They continue to save lives. They continue to stay positive.
Although there’s still a difficult road ahead, many of our clinicians have also now had their vaccinations so it really does feel like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.
What’s also really inspired me is you, our amazing supporters. We’re acutely aware that we’re all in this together, yet despite the challenges and losses you’ve had to face, you have continued to support this charity and help us help the sickest patients across the region.
I still remember right at the beginning of the pandemic, going to pick up visors from a couple who were making them in their garage, and it made me quite emotional that people were doing whatever they could to help. Since then, Magpas Air Ambulance has seen so many incredible acts of kindness and your loyal support and messages of encouragement has been what’s kept us all going.
I want you to know, that every single thing we are able to do and every patient we treat and save, is because of you. Your donations, your fundraising, your support. We really do mean it when we say, with you, we save lives. Thank you!”
