More than 200 people filled St Nicholas Church in Sevenoaks recently for the first-ever Celebration of Life service that brought patients, colleagues, local residents and pupils from Sevenoaks Prep School together just days before Christmas.
At the heart of the service was stories of survival, and in particular, Kent science teacher Giles Phillips took to the lectern to share how he is still here today after suffering a tear to his major aorta artery, a Type A aortic dissection that carries only a 15 to 30 per cent chance of survival.
Joined by his wife and two children, Giles shared the moment his life changed, with one of Giles’ children now working for the service as an Emergency Medical Advisor in East EOC after meeting her father’s lifesavers earlier this year. Claire Perriss, the Emergency Medical Advisor who took Giles’ 999 call also read a poem written by a fellow EMA, reflecting on the job as an EMA.
Rev’d Angus MacLeay also shared his own personal experience of being saved by SECAmb staff when he suffered a cardiac arrest in the church some 14 years ago.
The Trust’s Soundwaves Choir delivered their first-ever live performance, conducted by Michelle Thompson, filling the church with festive favourites. Pupils from Sevenoaks Prep School also support the congregations’ rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Following the service, refreshments were served and people had the opportunity to learn more about SECAmb’s charity and how the Trust is keen to support more community activities with the funds that we raise.
A huge thank you to our sponsors, Churchill Make Ready and our fantastic SECAmb Soundwaves Choir for making the evening so special.