Celebrating Lives and Making a Difference: In Memory Giving at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance

Losing someone we love is never easy, but finding meaningful ways to honour their memory can bring comfort during difficult times. At Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, we’re privileged to support families who choose to remember their loved ones through in memory giving. 

Meet Liz and Sarah: Your Supporter Care Team 

At the heart of our in-memory programme are Liz and Sarah, our dedicated Supporter Care Team members. 

Liz and Sarah provide a warm welcome and first-class care to all new and existing supporters. Whether it’s through phone calls, emails, or face-to-face interactions, they’re here to help with any questions or requests, big or small. They handle donations across a variety of income streams, ensuring every gift is processed and acknowledged. A favourite task is letting supporters know just how much they’re appreciated, whether it’s through heartfelt thank-you letters, cards, or even a chat over the phone. 

A key part of their role is supporting those who wish to give in memory of their loved ones. 

Sarah shares: “I absolutely love my job, especially if I can help people turn their grief into something positive. Whether someone is setting up their first tribute page or calling to make their tenth donation in memory of someone special, it’s an honour to be part of their journey. Knowing that through their generosity, we can be there for the next family who needs us, that’s what makes this role so meaningful.” 

For Liz, the relationships formed over time are what make the role special: “Over the years, I’ve built such wonderful relationships with our supporters. Some have been updating their loved one’s tribute pages for years now, and they’ve become like friends. It means the world to me that they trust us during such difficult times. Being able to provide that listening ear, whether it’s about a donation or just to hear how they’re doing, reminds me why this work is so important. Every call, every tribute, represents a life that mattered and a family that cares deeply.” 

Whether it’s setting up a tribute page, adding photos on our online Memory Wall, arranging funeral collections, or simply being there for a chat, Sarah and Liz are always at the end of the telephone line ready to help. They work closely with our dedicated Patient & Family Liaison Team, who provide support and care to those our crews have attended, ensuring families receive comprehensive support throughout their journey with us. 

Over time, they’ve formed genuine relationships with many of our long-term supporters who call not just to donate or update their tribute pages, but sometimes just to talk. These connections matter deeply to both the families we support and our team. 

Irene & Jason’s Story: Remembering Roger 

Irene’s husband and Jason’s dad, Roger was a keen cyclist who tragically sustained serious injuries while on a bike ride. Although our crew couldn’t save him, Irene and her son Jason found comfort in knowing they did everything possible and were with Roger when it mattered most. 

Since losing Roger, Irene and Jason have continued to honour his memory through regular donations to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. On occasions that would have marked special moments together, like his birthday or Christmas, they donate what they might have spent on his gift. 

This Christmas, Irene shared: “We’re donating £50 in memory of Roger to help the next cyclist or driver who may need the air ambulance.” 

Through their generosity, Irene and Jason are helping ensure other families receive the same expert emergency care that Roger did, turning their grief into hope for others. 

Ways to Give in Memory 

We understand that everyone wants to remember their loved ones in their own way. That’s why we offer several options for in memory giving: 

Create a Tribute Page 

Through our trusted not-for-profit partner, MuchLoved, you can set up a free tribute page where you can customise with photos and messages, share funeral details, collect donations, and keep the page open for as long as you wish as an ongoing place for remembrance. Liz explains that the team can see when a page is updated, with some people choosing to write a short message often and others updating on memorable dates like birthdays or anniversaries. “We’re pleased that the platform provides comfort for people for as long as they want it,” she says. 

Our Memory Wall 

This public online space allows you to leave a dedication or donation, add photos, and create a lasting place for reflection that family and friends can visit anytime.  

Funeral Collections 

Many families request donations instead of flowers. We provide donation envelopes or collection boxes that you can request at no charge. Your funeral director can also help with handling donations. 

One-Time or Regular Donations 

Whether you’d like to make a single donation on a special anniversary or set up a regular monthly gift, every contribution helps us continue our life-saving work. 

We’re Here for You 

Sarah and Liz are always available to help with any aspect of in memory giving. Whether you need support setting up a tribute page, have questions about funeral collections, or simply want to talk, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Our Patient & Family Liaison Team is also here to provide support and aftercare. We understand that sudden injuries and illnesses affect everyone involved, whether you’re a patient, family member, or friend. You may have questions, concerns, or need extra help, and our team will work sensitively to provide the care you need. 

If you or someone you know is coping with grief, our Bereavement Support page offers helpful resources, including the short film Navigating Grief After Sudden and Traumatic Loss, which explores the emotional impact of losing a loved one unexpectedly and where to find further support. 

Thank you for choosing to remember and celebrate the life of someone special with Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Through your kindness, their memory continues to make a profound difference in our community, helping us be there for the next person who needs us. 

Our Heartfelt Condolences 

On behalf of everyone at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, we extend our deepest sympathies to all those who have lost someone they love. 

To speak with Sarah or Liz, or to find out more about in memory giving, please contact our Supporter Care Team tel: 0345 2417 690 email: supportercare@ehaat.org 

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