One of Rugby's youngest volunteers - meet the father-daughter team giving up their time for Air Ambulance

The Air Ambulance Service is taking Volunteers Week as an opportunity to publicly thank a father-daughter team who give up their time to support the charity.

At 14 years old, Emily Burgess may very well be one of Rugby's youngest volunteers - and dad Stuart is very proud of her.

Emily volunteers at the charity's Rugby charity store alongside her father Stuart, where she helps sort through all the donations and enjoys designing and dressing the display window.

She said: "I really look forward to volunteering each week and I feel really appreciated.

I chose The Air Ambulance Service as it saves people’s lives and I think that's important.

"Also, my dad works for the charity, so I knew all about their vital work from him."

Stuart originally joined The Air Ambulance Service as a volunteer in January 2018, due to redundancy from a previous job.

He said: “I was immediately made very welcome, and my contributions were truly valued. In March 2018 I applied for an advertised job, and then secured the permanent employed position.

“I’ve now been employed for over three years and I’m very proud to work for this amazing organisation."

Despite now being a member of staff, Stuart has continued his volunteering at the Rugby shop every Saturday morning where he sorts through the donations, steaming clothes and preparing them for sale.

Inspired by her dad, Emily in turn wanted to help the local lifesaving charity.

Stuart said: “My initial reaction was that she was too young to volunteer, shortly followed by a very proud dad moment.

"Fortunately, the volunteering team were very supportive, and they organised for Emily to join me every Saturday on the basis that I could be responsible for her.

“I am very proud of Emily, not only does she volunteer for a great cause, but she also enjoys it and, she’s just glad to be supporting the charity which saves so many lives across Warwickshire and further afield.

"Being a volunteer has taught Emily a lot about the organisation, how a charity store operates, helped her develop skills and confidence, and highlighted the important role of a volunteer."

Emily and Stuart - along with all The Air Ambulance Service’s volunteers - will be celebrated and thanked by the charity during this year’s Volunteers’ Week for the contribution they make to charity.

Head of Volunteering for the charity, Sue Haslett said:: “This Volunteers’ Week, The Air Ambulance Service is celebrating the fantastic contribution of all our volunteers, like Emily and Stuart.

“Our volunteers help in a variety of different ways across the charity, whether they’re raising funds out in the community, supporting in our offices or warehouse, delivering projects, or helping in our shops - every hour that they give makes a difference.

“We couldn’t operate without them and I’d like to say a big thank you to each and every volunteer in Warwickshire for their ongoing support which helps us to save lives.”

Anyone wishing to enquire about volunteering for the charity can visit: www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk or call 0300 3045 999.