Trigger warning: This article contains references to traumatic events, including the death of a member of the SECAmb team.
The parents of Alice Clark, who died in January 2022 while on duty as a newly qualified paramedic, have shared their powerful story and campaign for change to protect colleagues and patients in a special podcast.
In a conversation with Simon Weldon, SECAmb’s Chief Executive, Gill and Graeme Clark give an unflinching, deeply personal account of their grief.
Their decision to speak so openly is rooted in one purpose: ensuring what happened to Alice never happens again. Calling it “Alice’s legacy” it is built on delivering greater safety for colleagues and patients.
Their courage in talking about that night, the police at the door and the realisation that Alice’s death could have been prevented is difficult to listen to but, as Simon says in the discussion, essential.
Graeme said: “Actions have consequences and this action has had a catastrophic consequence for us, for our family.”
The podcast also addresses the recent decision by the Health and Care Professions Council to reinstate the paramedic who pleaded guilty to causing Alice’s death, Edward Riding, onto the professional register.
Gill and Graeme described how difficult this has been and spoke about the gap they feel between the legal process and what they believe is morally right.
“We can’t comprehend how, if you have caused the death of somebody, you should ever be able to practice again,” Graeme said.
As part of the discussion, Simon reflects on the impact of the decision and the wider question of standards in the profession. Speaking candidly, he notes the difficult line between legal frameworks and moral responsibility, saying: “What you experienced was a legal outcome but not a moral outcome… and that’s the distance we’re trying to close.”
His comments underline the seriousness with which the organisation is approaching both learning and future improvement and something that Chief Paramedic Jaqui Lindridge outlined during the conversation.
Gill and Graeme have now chosen to pursue wider change by launching a petition on Change.org calling for automatic striking‑off following a conviction or guilty plea for causing death by careless or dangerous driving in the course of professional duties.
They hope stronger rules will help prevent other families experiencing what they have endured.
Gill said: “If this is the legacy that Alice leaves, then we’re grateful that you’ve listened to us.”
Colleagues have been asked to consider signing the petition, but to also honour Alice’s legacy in other practical ways. The first and most immediate is by committing to safety every time we travel.
Simon emphasises that unsafe driving still happens occasionally and must be challenged.
His message is clear: “If you see unsafe driving, you must speak up. It is an act of care, not an act of betrayal.”
Speaking up protects colleagues, patients and the organisation as a whole. The Clarks shared how hard it was to learn that some staff had previously felt unable to raise concerns. Creating a culture where concerns are voiced early and safely must be part of our ongoing progress.
We also strengthen safety through small but powerful habits such as wearing seatbelts, giving a clear “thumbs up” before moving off and challenging unsafe speed or behaviour the moment it is seen. Graeme ends by expressing simply and movingly: “What we want is a positive legacy for Alice and we believe that her legacy is making you all safe.”
Simon said: “Listening to this special podcast is not easy but its importance is clear. It challenges us to reflect, to speak up and to recognise that our actions behind the wheel shape the safety of every colleague and every patient.
“The Clarks’ bravery in sharing their story gives us an opportunity: to learn, to improve and to ensure Alice’s legacy is a future where tragedies like this are prevented. Alice’s legacy lives in the actions we take next.”
You can listen to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or on Spotify.
