Great Western Air Ambulance Charity shortlisted for five national awards

Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) is thrilled to announce that it has been shortlisted for five awards in this year’s Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence.

The national awards are hosted annually by Air Ambulances UK (AAUK), the national body that represents the UK’s 21 air ambulance charities; it’s a chance to celebrate and recognise the specialist lifesaving critical care skills and commitment of those working tirelessly within, and in support of, the air ambulance community. The ceremony will be on 3 December 2025 at Telford International Centre.

GWAAC is very proud of its shortlisted nominees whose efforts are helping to bring lifesaving care to people in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and parts of Wiltshire.

GWAAC’s shortlisted nominees are:

Breaking Barriers

GWAAC’s Access to PHEM (Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine) programme—led by its Trainee Critical Care Doctors—supports hospital doctors moving into pre-hospital medicine. The scheme offers mentorship and educational support, with a focus on improving access for underrepresented groups such as female doctors.

Young Person of the Year

After GWAAC’s crew came to the aid of her late grandfather in 2024, young fundraiser Sophie Pascoe was determined to give something back. She has raised an incredible £6,000 for GWAAC by taking part in swimming challenges in her local swimming pool.

Charity Volunteer of the Year

In memory of Luke Allen, his family and friends have raised over £40,000 for GWAAC—well above their £30,000 target for what would have been Luke’s 30th birthday in May this year. Leading much of the fundraising has been Luke’s sister Holly, who has shown incredible resilience and drive in the face of such profound loss.

Innovation of the Year

Building on the success of GWAAC’s Great Western Hearts CPR and AED education programme for secondary schools, the new Junior Hearts initiative (currently in a trial phase) aims to teach lifesaving skills to 10 and 11-year-olds. Thanks to funding from National Highways’ Social Values Fund and support from Hook Studio, GWAAC has created a fun, easy-to-use learning pack for schools complete with pillowcases for CPR practice—all designed to make the topic less clinical and much more accessible.

Supplier of the Year

Facilities management company FLT Group has been a trusted GWAAC supplier for over three years. During the past 12 months especially, when GWAAC has faced tighter budgets and rising pressures, FLT Group have delivered critical maintenance, supported key projects, and gone the extra mile, stepping up for everything from day-to-day jobs to last-minute emergencies.

Anna Perry, CEO of GWAAC says: “Having five finalists in this year’s Air Ambulance UK Awards of Excellence is fabulous! It speaks volumes about the wonderful work and dedication of our supporters, crew and staff at GWAAC. They are all so deserving and we will all be keeping our fingers crossed on Awards night.”

GWAAC Celebrates national award win for partner Donate for Defib Weston-super-Mare (WSM)

At the end of September, the Donate for Defib WSM Project was crowned overall winners in the Community Category of the BBC Make a Difference Awards 2025. The project has raised over £80,000 for public access defibrillators and delivered CPR and defib training sessions in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas with the help of GWAAC’s Great Western Hearts defibrillator programme.

Joe Hughes, Strategic Partnerships Manager at GWAAC says: “We are delighted to see Donate for Defib WSM recognised for their outstanding work. Their dedication to improving survival from cardiac arrest through awareness, education, and accessible equipment is inspiring. Winning this prestigious BBC award is a testament to the impact they are making in their community.”