Volunteer stories

This volunteers week, we sat down with Kajori who volunteers at our shop at The Royal London Hospital. 

1.  What's your role as a volunteer?   

There are three aspects to my role as a volunteer with London's Air Ambulance Charity. 

The main one is working a regular shift at the charity's shop in The Royal London Hospital, which helps to raise funds for the charity. I also contribute by doing presentations to various local community groups and other charities, which helps increase awareness of London’s Air Ambulance Charity and how it pioneers pre-hospital treatment for critically injured patients, as well as the long-term support it provides to their families. Finally, I get involved with various annual fundraising events, for example the Helipad Abseil, cycling and challenge events – I cheer on our participants, work on the registration desk and occasionally join in the abseil, which is my favourite event! 

2. What do you do day to day?   

My role in the shop is primarily to serve customers who are interested and curious about the charity. They can be members of the public, patients at various stages in their recovery, family members whose loved ones are still receiving trauma treatment or people who may be bereaved.  

It is a privilege to hear stories of bravery, hope and fear and the immense commitment and dedication of family members and friends. Stories of hope and compassion are shared and it gives us the opportunity to direct them to our patient liaison team as necessary.  

We also have a number of regular customers who pop in just to say hello and keep us updated on what's going on in their lives. Clinical staff pop in – I find talking with them extremely intellectually stimulating – and fellow volunteers pop in for a chat: the merchandise shop can be a great social hub at times!  

Ensuring that the shop is stocked and the merchandise is well displayed and informing our manager of any customer feedback is also part of my role. 

3. What do you enjoy the most about volunteering with London’s Air Ambulance Charity?   

I enjoy the fact that I am contributing in some way towards the charity’s mission to save the lives of critically injured people. I love the ethos of humbleness of the medical crew and how the charity values compassion and commitment to the welfare of its patients and staff alike. 

Due to my various roles, I get the opportunity to help customers, staff and patients practically as well as emotionally. I meet with a wide spectrum of people in the community and have the opportunity to raise the profile of the charity's work. I particularly enjoy the regular social events for volunteers which include learning opportunities and are intellectually stimulating. 

4. Why did you choose to volunteer for us?  

Having retired from an active 35 year career in the NHS, it felt like a natural progression to look for a voluntary role contributing towards patients welfare in some way. Given London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s world-renowned reputation for its pioneering work with critically injured patients and families, it felt like a worthwhile objective to pursue a role here. The charity as an organisation is compassionate and I feel a great deal of pride to be part of it. 

5. What is your favourite memory of volunteering with us since you started?   

A couple of favourite moments stand out for me, both involving working at the registration desk at the Helipad Abseil. The first was meeting a 102 year old abseiler, Colin Bell and hearing his life story as an RAF pilot during WII. The second was accompanying a bereaved mother on an abseil. I was humbled by their bravery and their life stories.  

6.What would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering with London’s Air Ambulance Charity?  

DO IT!  

You’ll find a range of opportunities to suit your particular skillset and you’ll be well supported and respected. This is a well-functioning, emotionally intelligent organisation.