National Volunteers’ Week 2021
Sarah Wareham

Volunteering at EHAAT – Sarah Wareham

• Volunteering since April 2018
• Daughter of the charity’s founder Brian Shipley, who sadly passed away 5 years ago
• Participant in Strictly Air Ambulance fundraising event in 2019
• Helps deliver CPR training in schools

I’m Sarah Wareham and I have volunteered for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance since May 2018. My dad Brian Shipley was the founder of the Charity! Sadly, he died of cancer 5 years ago. The money raised from his funeral was used to setup a CPR campaign in his memory. During the press release for this, I was asked if I would like to be a volunteer. I didn’t have to think twice, what a fantastic way of carrying on with the amazing legacy my Dad left behind! I am a mum to Poppy 10 and Thomas 7.  I work at Debenhams and I recently also started working in the admin department at Queens Hospital, Romford. My life is very busy, but I still have time to volunteer.

My favourite volunteering role is to help teach CPR in schools, it is very rewarding seeing the kids learn this incredible life skill. The sessions are good fun whilst being very educational. I also help when I can with other fundraising events, and I participated in Strictly Come Dancing in 2019. It is a shame that due to COVID the CPR training and fundraising events have all been cancelled; so, to still volunteer I service collection tins around Chelmsford where I live.  The servicing of the tins can be done when you can fit them in, so this is a perfect volunteer role for those who haven’t much free time.

I am very proud to volunteer for this amazing charity, that really does appreciate its volunteers. I can’t wait to be able to meet at the social events and fundraise again!

Sarah