Cornwall Air Ambulance Shortlisted for Three 2025 Air Ambulances UK Awards

Cornwall Air Ambulance has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2025 Air Ambulances UK ‘Awards of Excellence’, which celebrate the lifesaving work of air ambulance charities across the country.

The ceremony will take place on 3rd December in Telford, with Cornwall in the running for Campaign of the Year, Charity Team of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

A Remarkable Year

Tim Bunting, Chief Executive at Cornwall Air Ambulance, said:
“The past year has been an incredibly busy time for your charity, with the success of the Heli2 Appeal and delivery of your second lifesaving helicopter. The dedication and hard work behind the scenes to make that a reality has been phenomenal. To now be shortlisted in three categories at this year’s AAUK Awards of Excellence is a remarkable achievement, recognising the continued commitment of all to make Cornwall Air Ambulance the very best that it can be.”

📷Campaign of the Year - Sing it Home

Campaign of the Year – Sing it Home

The ‘Sing it Home’ album made national headlines after reaching number 11 in the UK official album download charts, the first time an air ambulance charity has achieved this. It stayed in the top 20 for two weeks, even beating Coldplay.

More than 500 local performers took part, including one of the charity’s own Critical Care Paramedics and a former patient. Schools were also challenged to record their own versions of the title track through a radio competition. The campaign generated over one million digital interactions, supported by a music video and the song being used in the charity’s Christmas animation.

📷Fundraising - Charity Team of the Year

Charity Team of the Year – Fundraising

The fundraising team has been recognised for their success in raising over £7.5 million towards their annual target, alongside an additional £2.85 million for the Heli2 Appeal.

Supporters responded strongly to the 18-month appeal, with the ‘Heli2 Heroes’ effort selling out at 1,200 places. The ‘Stepping Out to save lives’ sponsorship sold more than 30 steps to local businesses. The in-memory giving journey was also redesigned and integrated into the website, increasing engagement and donations.

Legacy income rose thanks to greater visibility in funeral directors and solicitor offices, while new supporter materials helped strengthen connections with donors.

📷Lifetime Achievement - Mick Mclachlan

Lifetime Achievement – Mick McLachlan

Mick McLachlan, who joined the ambulance service in 1991, has been shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He became one of Cornwall Air Ambulance’s first full-time paramedics in 2006 and has been at the forefront of clinical development ever since.

Over 18 years, Mick has influenced major changes, including the creation of a 19-hour service, transitioning to new aircraft and providers, developing detailed data reporting to guide strategy, and being part of the first team to deliver Pre-Hospital Emergency Anaesthesia on scene.

Mick holds the record for the most missions in Cornwall Air Ambulance’s history with over 4,600 attended, 4,200 of those by air. He is also the charity’s longest-serving full-time Critical Care Paramedic.