Applauding teen heroism, honouring long service and marking the achievements of colleagues made for a glittering SECAmb Awards Ceremony 2025.

The event, on Thursday 9 October at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking, was attended by 183 people.

“I never cease to be amazed at the devotion and exemplary care which all SECAmb people and our volunteers demonstrate for the patients and communities whom we serve,” said the Trust’s Chair, Michael Whitehouse, who opened the awards ceremony.

“What always shines through is kindness and compassion and also humour and support for one another. In all that is going on in the world today, SECAmb people rise above this in the spirit of genuine service and compassion. My thanks to everyone, you are all amazing.”

It was the first time that colleagues from our Emergency Operations Centres have been eligible to receive the King’s Medal for Long Service & Good Conduct.

The evening saw 11 members of EOC receive medals alongside their field operations colleagues.

The Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey and the Trust’s Lead Governer, Andrew Latham, had the honour of presenting the medals along with 30- and 40-year clasps which we also introduced for the first time this year.

“Very few professions are asked to deliver as much as the ambulance service does,” he said. “Stepping into people’s lives at moments of crisis, you bring not only your medical skills but compassion and hope to families who will always remember your care afterwards. Wear your medals with pride.”

There was also a special moment for one colleague who was celebrating 30 years of service at the awards night, before retiring the next day.

Jane Herrington had shown outstanding commitment to the service, dedicating three decades to the Emergency Operations Centre, a steady presence through the pressures of the EOC environment and playing a key role in the transition from Lewes to Crawley. She received a standing ovation from all for her professionalism and dedication.

The ceremony was also an opportunity to remember those who sadly died in the year. A particularly poignant moment came when Jiri Musil’s 10-year service as a community first responder was honoured.  Jiri sadly passed away in May and his Jason had the great honour of accepting Jiri’s award on his behalf.

During his time with the Trust, Jiri had attended 1,321 patients, mentored new CFRs, supported public events and during the pandemic helped prepare vehicles to support London Ambulance Service.

“Jiri had an extraordinary life,” said Conor Maher, Woking team leader. “He and his wife Anna were ice-skating champions in Czechoslovakia. In 1982, they defected to the West during a visit to London, escaping their minders in a dramatic moment that changed their lives forever.

"We'll always remember his warmth, humour and generosity. He made a lasting impact on everyone he met."

Chief Executive Simon Weldon presented commendations to colleagues who were recognised for outstanding achievements. There were also commendations honouring public service, when all rose to applaud the gallant actions of teenagers Henry Sims and Wyatt McAlister, as the young men were awarded Chief Executive Commendations for Honouring Public Support.

Henry, 14, recalled the Restart a Heart training he had been shown at his local school and dialled 999 when a man next to him at Camberley Heath Golf Club collapsed. Without hesitation, the teenager initiated vital CPR and kept it going until he was relieved by local CFR and ambulance crews, helping to save the golfer’s life.

Wyatt, 14, demonstrated courage and calmness when his friend was injured while they were mountain biking around the Devil’s Punchbowl. He contacted 999 with their what3words location, put his bike at the top of the trail as a marker of where they were, and reassured his injured friend throughout, making sure they received help quickly.

Simon said the award ceremonies provide a chance to see just a selection of the very best of colleagues’ dedication to patient care.

“It’s been a truly memorable evening. It’s one of the highlights of my year, to recognise and honour colleagues and members of the public who have performed truly heroic acts,” he said. “We have seen some great examples of service from right across our organisation and within our communities.”