We are delighted to announce that Lola Inge, KSS Running and Challenge Manager, was Highly Commended in the Charity Staff Member of the Year award category. This recognition is a testament to Lola’s exceptional commitment and the incredible impact she has made in driving our fundraising challenges forward, increasing vital awareness and income, while creating unforgettable experiences for our supporters.

Over the past year, Lola has increased income from running and challenges by an extraordinary 58%, raising nearly £370k. Her creative and strategic thinking have expanded the types of events supporters can choose to take part in from regional races to national and international offerings such as marathons in Berlin and Lisbon, bespoke Three Peaks Challenges and innovative virtual campaigns like Run 31 that now takes place every January. Lola’s ability to make every supporter feel valued and inspired, combined with her collaborative approach and relentless drive, exemplifies the very heart of the charity.  

KSS was also shortlisted for three other national AAUK Awards of Excellence, showcasing the breadth of expertise, passion and commitment across our charity.

• Sarita Taneja, KSS Patient and Family Aftercare Manager - Aftercare Supporter of the Year.

Sarita's incredible passion for caring for our former patients, their families, and bereaved families, is unwavering and inspirational. She was a founding member of our Patient and Family Aftercare Team and has helped to shape and create the service into what it is today. Sarita has initiated many elements of our Patient and Family Aftercare Service, including our peer support groups for cardiac arrest survivors, farmers and others.

• Senior Medical Advisor Dr. Fionna Moore, Dr. Harriet Tucker, Dr. Sophie Mitchinson, Dr Heather Storey (The Air Ambulance Service), Executive Officer and Paramedic Emma Parkhe, Director of Communications Nikki Wright and Head of Internal Communications Sarah Boast. The KSS team behind our national symposium on inclusivity in Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) (Breaking Barriers Award)

The team behind our Pre-Hospital Emergency Medicine (PHEM) Symposium (Dr. Fionna Moore, Dr. Harriet Tucker, Emma Parkhe, Dr. Sophie Mitchinson, Nikki Wright, Sarah Boast and Dr. Heather Storey (The Air Ambulance Service), were finalists in the Breaking Barriers category. The team, which conceived and delivered our ‘Optimising Inclusivity in PHEM’ Symposium, held on Monday 9 September 2024, demonstrated exceptional innovation. By championing inclusivity, they have helped to drive tangible improvements which will benefit many future generations of PHEM and Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) colleagues, and ultimately, patients both in the UK and further afield.

• KSS Founder Kate Chivers’, Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kate Chivers’ vision, courage, and determination in founding Kent Air Ambulance Trust in 1989 – at the time only the third air ambulance service in the country – laid the foundation for what is now Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS). Her pioneering work helped transform pre-hospital emergency care across the UK. Today, thanks to Kate’s vision and the learnings she shared, there are now a total of 21 individual air ambulance charities operating nationwide. KSS has grown into a world-leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, renowned for its clinical excellence, research, and innovation that improve patient outcomes both in the UK and internationally. Kate’s legacy continues to inspire all who work to deliver this vital lifesaving service.

Lola Inge, KSS Running and Challenge Manager said: "I'm honoured to have been Highly Commended at the Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence. This is a celebration for the whole of Team KSS as we all continue striving to deliver the very best experience to all of our amazing supporters. Our lifesaving service is only possible thanks to the overwhelming support we receive from our communities and so I proudly dedicate this award to them. Congratulations to all of the finalists and winners."

David Welch, KSS Chief Executive, said: "It was fantastic to see Lola highly commended for her excellence and unwavering dedication. Her energy and creativity have been instrumental in raising the vital funds we need to keep flying and saving lives. Beyond the numbers, Lola ensures every supporter feels part of something truly special, valued, inspired and connected to our mission. She embodies the spirit of Team KSS, turning challenges into opportunities and making a lasting difference for our patients and communities.  

“My heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to Lola, Sarita, the team behind our PHEM symposium and to our remarkable Founder, Kate. Their commitment to our patients, supporters, and communities, truly embodies our values and enables us to continue saving lives every day across Kent, Surrey and Sussex."

The national AAUK Awards of Excellence celebrate the extraordinary lifesaving work the 21 air ambulance charities which collectively help to save lives and provide the best possible patient outcomes for the most critically injured and unwell people every day right across the UK. They recognise the outstanding achievements of charity teams, campaigns, innovations, volunteers and young people, as well as clinical and aviation excellence. 

Since taking to the skies in 1989 as only the third air ambulance charity in the country, KSS has grown to become one of the UK’s largest and busiest air ambulance services, covering 3,500 square miles across Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and serving a population of around five million. Today, it is a world-leading Helicopter Emergency Medical Service, renowned for its clinical expertise, research, and innovation that improve patient outcomes both nationally and internationally.

For full details of all the award winners visit AAUK