The highly respected awards celebrate professionalism, excellence and dedication across the 21 UK air ambulance charities, including KSS, that work every day to save lives. KSS was shortlisted in the following categories:

• Charity Staff Member of the Year – Fran Vale – Senior Community Fundraiser (Kent)
• Charity Volunteer of the Year – Steve Harley
• Organisational Staff of the Year – Rebecca Kenny – Director of Governance and Compliance
• Campaign of the Year – Restart a Heart Day: KSS and Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club collaboration

Fran Vale

Since joining KSS in December 2022, Fran Vale, Senior Community Fundraiser (Kent), has made an remarkable contribution to growing income, awareness and community engagement across Kent.

Fran consistently goes above and beyond in supporting fundraisers and supporters. Her compassionate stewardship has strengthened relationships, improved supporter retention, and connected people with wider charity services when needed. Her work on our Mission Badges for young people, including the Scouts and Guides, will undoubtedly inspire future generations of supporters.

Steve Harley

Steve was inspired to volunteer for KSS after the charity attended his father following a cardiac arrest. His dedication is appreciated across KSS, in particular by the Events Team, who he has supported with everything from acquiring resources and packing the van to setting up and assisting at events. He's inspired many supporters as one of our speakers and played a major part in our work for Restart a Heart Day with KSS over the last three years. He is an exceptionally valued member of Team KSS.

Rebecca Kenny

Since joining KSS in 2020 Rebecca has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening governance, compliance and assurance across the charity. Through her expertise, collaborative approach and commitment to excellence, she has embedded a culture where governance is seen as an enabler of innovation and improvement. She consistently goes above and beyond to support colleagues, strengthen regulatory compliance and help teams manage risk with confidence, work which continues to enhance the resilience and success of KSS.

Restart a Heart

Over the last three years we have reached over 150,000 people with our Restart A Heart Day with KSS free online and in-person training, equipping people of all ages with the confidence and skills to give CPR and use a defibrillator to help save lives of people suffering a cardiac arrest. A major part of our success has been our collaboration with Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club with the Premiership Club’s star male and female players, and members of their Youth Squad, taking part in CPR training and working with the media as well as the club holding match day events to help raise awareness of the importance of everyone knowing how to perform these vital skills.

KSS Chief Executive, David Welch, commented: “We’re incredibly proud that the amazing work taking place across Team KSS has been recognised by the 2026 Air Ambulances UK Awards of Excellence, with KSS shortlisted in  four categories. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to everyone shortlisted for all they have done, and continue to do, for KSS and our patients. I wish them all the best for the awards ceremony later this year.”

The winners of the AAUK Awards of Excellence will be announced on Wednesday 3 December at a ceremony at Telford International Centre. The full shortlist can be viewed on the Air Ambulances UK website.