We have announced a momentous expansion of our Aftercare team, thanks to a generous gift from a local benefactor.
The donation of £100,000 a year for five years, made by Sir Howard and Lady Stringer in 2021, enables us to bring forward our ambitious plans for the development of Aftercare. Lady Stringer was moved to help after hearing about the value that Aftercare support can bring to people who have been through life-changing events.
For those who have been seriously ill or injured, or family members who have lost a loved one, coming to terms with what happened and working out what the future looks like can be daunting. Lady Stringer’s gift has already allowed us to hire a new Patient Liaison Manager, Lorraine Bint, with another team member joining later this year.
Lorraine joined the charity at the end of 2021, after previously working as a paramedic in London for over 20 years. Upon leaving the Ambulance Service, Lorraine volunteered at a local hospice and this experience inspired her to retrain. Lorraine is now a qualified counsellor with a special interest in in bereavement, grief, and loss.
This generous gift means we will be able to reach out to more people when their whole world has been turned upside down
Adam Crosby, Head of Aftercare
Adam Crosby, our Head of Aftercare, said:
“Thames Valley Air Ambulance was one of the first air ambulances in the country to introduce a patient liaison service and we are incredibly grateful that we can now expand our team. The service has proved invaluable to so many in our community and we have big plans for how to help more people – both former patients, their families and even bystanders.
“When you have been through a life-changing incident, or witnessed someone you love in that situation, it can leave you feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. This generous gift means we will be able to reach out to more people and offer a lifeline when their whole world has been turned upside down.”
Lady Stringer said:
“Like everyone in the local area, I am so thankful for the lifesaving critical care that Thames Valley Air Ambulance crews bring to our region. Despite the challenges they have faced during the pandemic, they have continued to be there for patients when the worst happens.
“Since becoming involved with the charity, I have been struck by the fact that the care they provide goes well beyond the scene of an emergency. I’ve been lucky enough to meet former patients and to hear how important Aftercare support has been to them. It was a truly humbling experience and I’m delighted to be able to help Thames Valley Air Ambulance expand their team and reach more people in need of support.”
Watch the video below to find out more about our Aftercare expansion.
