Responders scoop top awards

This afternoon saw responders from Fastaid being recognised for their achievements at the West Midlands Ambulance Service Volunteers Award Ceremony in Hereford. Fastaid members received a total of 10 awards, more than any other responder group in the ceremony was presided over by the Honourable Mr Gilbert Greenall, High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

After receiving his award for Fundraiser of the Year Mark Atherton commented “I was surprised and very honoured to receive this award and was fascinated to hear about the other great contributions volunteers are making for their local communities.”

The awards are as follows:

Community First Responder of the Year – Amanda Duroe

Amanda has been the co-ordinator for the Black Country Satellite group of Fastaid since it began. The amount of CFR;s in the area has doubled in the past twelve months, and Amanda has now also taken on the Equipment Manager role too. She provides support to fellow CFR’s seven days per week, besides having family commitments of her own.

Fundraisers of the Year – Mark Atherton and Linda Atherton

Linda and Mark regularly attend fundraising events, with all the enthusiasm they had in the beginning. They have shown great commitment to the Fastaid scheme both individually, together, and also along with their son Tim, a real family affair.

Longest Serving Community First Responders – Samantha Jackson, Steve Gill and Yvonne McHugh

Sam, Steve and Yvonne have all been in the Fastaid scheme since it began 4 years ago. They are all highly committed to providing cover to the local community.

Most Incidents Attended -Steve Trow

Steven is a full time Fireman based at Walsall Fire Station, he has been a CFR with Fastaid for almost 2 and half years. Steve works 4 shifts on and 4 shifts off, and each year without exception Steve responds to the most amount of calls for the BBC area. Last year completing 226 Cases.

Chief Officer Commendations

Ian Thomas

Ian is a dedicated and committed member of the Birmingham and The Black Country Fastaid Group.

The contribution that Ian gives to charity management, training organiser and also his individual on call commitment is highly inspirational, and very much appreciated.

After becoming a Community First Responder, Ian has decided on a change in career now and is to leave the TV behind. He has recently begun his Paramedic Course at Worcester University.

This professionalism and dedication is the reason for Ian being awarded this Chief Officers Commendation.

Yvonne McHugh

Yvonne is not only one of the longest Serving Community First responders, but also the Treasurer (with great efficiency) and reliable ongoing fundraiser too.

Yvonne thinks nothing of getting involved with car washes, fun runs and bag packing, along with many other obscure ideas that come up from time to time.

Yvonne has also been instrumental in placing a defibrillator in her own place of work to be able to assist her colleagues should the need ever arise.

It is for this dedication and professionalism that Yvonne is awarded this Chief Officers Commendation.

Marc Waters

Marc is a relatively new member of the team, but right from the outset has shown great enthusiasm and dedication.

Within his first six months he has managed to secure a car donation through Peugeot, raised money through a charity bike ride, and many other fundraising events.

Marc has also managed to forge links within Birmingham City Council to further extend and enhance Fastaid.

He is one of the first Community First Responders within the South Birmingham area and has been supporting Debbie Towers the new coordinator of South Birmingham immensely.

It is for all these reasons that Marc is awarded this Chief Officers Commendation.

Linda Atherton