During these unprecedented times we know that there are increasing pressures on our ambulance services; and coronavirus is having a serious impact upon them. Call numbers are soaring, interactions with patients are changing, and paramedics on the road and staff in control centres are under acute pressure. At a time when most people are distancing themselves from others, ambulance crews are doing what they always do – going into the homes of sick and vulnerable strangers to offer help.
Jason Clelland and Matt James, two serving London Ambulance Service staff, wanted to use an exceptionally powerful symbol in the form of a pin badge to commemorate those ambulance staff we have lost not only during the pandemic but over the years. Through the sales of these beautifully crafted badges they are fundraising for two charities supporting staff on the frontline: TASC and Unison’s There For You.
To coincide with the launch of the new badge in Wales, Matt released the below video to thank everyone for helping make this fundraising initiative so successful and to share why it’s so important to support TASC and Unison’s There For You.
Jasmin Rana, Director of Income Generation and Supporter Engagement said:
“At TASC we are overwhelmed by the response as well as the monies raised so far. We want to thank everyone involved from Jason and Matt, to those volunteering to fulfil and dispatch orders, and to everyone who has purchased the badge so far, we are so grateful for your support. Ambulance staff dedicate their lives to supporting and saving others, and right now they are in need of support too. TASC is passionate about caring for those who care for us —and we strive to ensure the UK’s lifesaving ambulance community is strong, healthy and ready to be there for us when we need them.”