“Some families get a second chance — to me, that means everything!”

When Lorraine lost her father in a tragic motorcycle accident in 1983, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance hadn’t yet been established. Emergency services attended the scene, but it was a different time; the kind of advanced pre-hospital care we now associate with air ambulance charities wasn’t yet part of the picture.

For a long time, Lorraine didn’t dwell on what had happened. But years later, she witnessed another serious crash involving a motorcyclist. That was the moment everything came flooding back. This time, she learned that the air ambulance had been able to attend, giving a young father the urgent care he needed in the moments that mattered most.

That moment stayed with her. From then on, she felt driven to support the service, knowing that for some, it can make all the difference. Through regular giving, volunteering and leaving a gift in her Will, Lorraine has turned personal loss into decisive action to help others. 

We sat down with Lorraine to learn more about her story, her motivation to give back, and the decision to leave a gift in her Will.

Has the loss of your father shaped the way you’ve planned for your future?

“Absolutely. On 27 November 1983, my life changed forever when my father was killed in a motorbike accident. That was four years before the first air ambulance service even started in the UK. He died intestate, and by chance, I was studying the law on this for my accountancy exams, so I understood a bit about what it meant. There was still a mortgage, and although my brother and I were entitled to part of the estate, we both agreed everything should go to our mum. Years later, after witnessing another serious crash, I took up a Free Will offer and decided to leave a gift to EHAAT and two other charities close to my heart.”

What do you remember about the crash you saw?

“It was 2012, and I was at a petrol station near junction 9 of the M1 when I heard a tremendous smack. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the motorbike slide about 100 yards down the road on its side after the rider came off. The crash was eerily similar to what had happened to my dad. Someone nearby ran over, but I couldn’t move. I just walked in circles saying, “He’s dead, he’s dead.” I was utterly traumatised and drove home in shock. The next day, I found out the air ambulance had attended. The next day, I saw an EHAAT stand at the supermarket, spoke to a paramedic, and signed up for the Flight for Life lottery on the spot. I’ve supported them ever since.”

How easy was the process of leaving a gift in your Will?

“Ridiculously simple. I used a free Will service, selected a solicitor from the list, attended a 30-minute meeting, and it was complete. They looked up the charity numbers and handled the paperwork. I received two copies in the post. Easy.”

Did your experience make you more determined to have a Will in place?

“Yes. You do it to protect people. And you’re not being morbid, you’re just being sensible and planning ahead. I want to make sure there’s no confusion and that it all goes where I want it to.”

If someone said they were thinking about leaving a gift to EHAAT, what would you want them to know?

“Just do it. Consider what you want to happen, and then take the first step. The process is really simple. I’d recommend doing it through one of the free Will services so you know it’s done correctly. You just need to decide whether it’s a set amount or a percentage. It doesn’t matter how big your estate is — your money goes where you want it to go.”

We know supporting EHAAT means a great deal to you. What is it about the charity’s work that resonates so deeply?

“I feel privileged and proud to be involved because it’s such an amazing organisation. I do feel quite evangelical about it. I do this because someone else may not have to lose a family member or friend — someone else may not have to go through what we went through.”

You’ve supported EHAAT in so many ways, but what’s been the most rewarding part so far?

“Just being involved and feeling like I’m contributing. I did a behind-the-scenes tour, helped with visitor centre tours, and supported a group with the pilot. It’s those little moments that stand out. I feel proud to play a small part.”

Has volunteering given you any unexpected insights into EHAAT’s work behind the scenes?

“Yes, especially seeing the Centre for Excellence. I asked whether they’re working with other air ambulances, because what they’re doing is incredible. They’re leading the way with initiatives such as CPR training in schools and enhanced treatment for patients with head injuries. It’s not just about being an air ambulance — they’re striving to be even more.”

If you’d like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, please click here.