Our Impact News Volunteers Week 2025: Celebrating our volunteers Volunteers’ Week 2025 will take place from 2nd to the 8th of June and is a celebration of the time and commitment given by millions of volunteers across the UK. At DSAA, we are proud to stand alongside thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the incredible impact of our volunteers. We have over 100 volunteers that kindly donate their time to our charity, with their combined efforts representing more than 10,000 hours of vital support: support that enables us to provide pre-hospital critical care to the people of Dorset and Somerset. From the work of our trustees, to raising awareness at local events, supporting fundraising, CPR awareness training, and photography - our volunteers do so much to help the charity. They are an essential part of the team, helping to ensure we can reach patients when they need us the most. Volunteer spotlight Join us as we hear from some of our volunteers to learn about the vital work they do and why they do it. Jeanne Hutton & Emma Bruce Jeanne and her daughter, Emma, service collection boxes, attend cheque presentations, run stalls at events, and spread the word! A personal connection to DSAA is a big reason Jeanne and Emma choose to volunteer. When Jeanne’s son, Ben, had an accident DSAA came to his aid and quickly got him to hospital. Jeanne and Emma say they “love meeting people and hearing stories about their experiences of the air ambulance... There is great affection and respect around for the charity, which is gratifying, and often very moving.” In 2023 Jeanne published a book of poetry, edited by Emma, dedicated to our charity and donated the sales to DSAA. Thank you to Jeanne and Emma for your time - and your beautiful words! George Wagland George has been volunteering for DSAA for nine years! He services collection boxes, runs stalls, and attends our events. You will often spot George helping us to set up our sporting events and challenges, such as the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge and 5K Twilight Shift. He has even represented the charity at golf events in both Dorset and Somerset, teaming up with office and clinical team! George says: “What I most enjoy is being involved in Airbase Day events where I see the sheer joy of those members of the public, who have helped raise funds for the DSAA, when they get to meet the crew and see Peggy up close. It also gives me the opportunity to meet up the other volunteers and the people who work for DSAA.” Thank you George! James Pilliaert James services collection boxes in Weymouth. He decided to volunteer after he witnessed the work of our critical care team first-hand. “Just before Christmas 2022, my dad collapsed and died. I got called to the scene and was there before any emergency crews. Two land ambulances, a car and then the helicopter arrived to try and save him, but unfortunately on this occasion nothing could be done. We now know that he died of an aortic aneurysm so nothing could have been done, but I saw first hand how hard all the crew worked on him. In the months after I was helped out from Gabi (one of the patient and family liaison nurses) who was just so very lovely! I was in a dark place, but she helped me out of it. Fast forward to January 2024 and I started my own business in electrical contracting which my dad also did (I named my company after me and my dad’s initials). I now raise money through my business by not charging for certain jobs, and I match what's in the pot every year. I only started volunteering this month and am looking forward to working with everyone.” James kindly provided a photo of him and his dad. Thank you to James for your dedication and for sharing your story. Heather Bates Heather is one of DSAA’s Dorset volunteers, she organises merchandise, attends airbase days and does collections. When asked why she chooses to volunteer for DSAA she said: “I'm passionate about the charity because it serves people who need medical treatment urgently in Dorset and Somerset. The critical care team do an amazing job! I love my role as a volunteer and I'm passionate about how the air ambulance operates and helps people in need!” Thank you for all your help Heather! John Preston John joined the team in December last year. He delivers talks as well as our CPR and Defibrillator Awareness Sessions. “I was a Coast Guard at West Bay for 10 years. This was also a volunteer role, and I carried out around 80 rescues a year. In this role I also worked very closely with DSAA on a number of rescues over the years. Having retired from the service I wanted to use the my skills to benefit DSAA and people of Dorset and Somerset. I have enjoyed visiting the base, meeting people, learning how the service works, seeing the helicopter and its equipment, and learning how each flight is planned. My first few months with DSAA have been great and I hope to be able to support the team for many years to come.” Thank you to John! If you are interested in a CPR Session, you can find out more below. DSAA's Life Support Programme Some favourite moments from our volunteers My favourite thing is working with a lovely group of volunteers and staff. Everyone is very friendly, and we have fun fundraising! – Liz Marks It is such a warm and friendly charity to work for, and I am proud that through my talks over the last three years I have built awareness and raised more than £3,500 in the collection pots, so covered at least the cost of a mission. - Philip Griffin My favourite thing is getting to know all the people in shops and businesses who have collection boxes and building a relationship with them. This all helps to spread the word! - Colin Babb My greatest memory has been riding the Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge five times and, secondly, to have collected £1650 from boxes in a six-week period! - Ed Highnam My favourite things are representing DSAA, giving talks and meeting lots of interesting people. - Mark Lucas Why DSAA? Our incredible volunteers are passionate about what they do. Here's what they had to say about why they volunteer for DSAA. “We are both very passionate about the cause and the fantastic life-saving work the crew carry out on a daily basis.” – Becky Heath Photo of Becky and her daughter with Dasher, DSAA's mascot! I am proud in my uniform. People are very supportive and often tell you why they support the charity. - Karen Cook I think it’s a very worthwhile and needed service. No one knows when they will need it, but it’s good to know it’s there. - Peter Hiscock Finally, thank you to our volunteers! As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we want to say thank you to all those who choose to donate their time to DSAA. Your commitment keeps us flying - and helps save lives every single day. Charlotte Humber, Supporter Engagement Officer for Somerset encapsulates just how wonderful our volunteers are: “Our volunteers are the heart of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Their passion, dedication, and tireless support are the driving force behind everything we do. We simply couldn’t reach the communities we serve or achieve what we do without them, they are truly invaluable, and we appreciate them more than words can say.” If you would like to join our volunteer community, find out more below. Volunteer at DSAA Manage Cookie Preferences