Almost 350 guests celebrated the best and brightest from the air ambulance community on Monday night at the National Air Ambulance Awards of Excellence 2015.

Award hosts, BBC News presenter Sophie Long and Helicopter Heroes presenter Rav Wilding handed out 11 Awards to outstanding individuals and teams, whose stories were inspirational, astonishing and humbling. The Awards, which are independently judged, went to pilots, paramedics, doctors, fundraisers and volunteers who collected their trophies at a ceremony held in central London.

Two fantastic people from our Charity team won on the night. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Dr Peter Holden, who has been instrumental in the development of air ambulance services over the past 32 years. Dr Holden has been a voluntary doctor with Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance since 1998 and is a respected member of the crew, who has been incredibly supportive with his time and knowledge over the many years.

Our CEO, Peter Aldrick then won the AAA Chairman’s Award for his dedicated services to both Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and the AAA, having been the founding Chairman of the Association.

The prestigious Award was a complete surprise to Peter, and to the staff and aircrew members who had earlier nominated him for an Award. No-one knew he’d won until the moment Peter’s name was called. Everyone was understandably overjoyed when it was announced!

Upon receiving the Award Peter Aldrick said: “I’m overwhelmed with this recognition. It means so much in my final year with Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. These last 16 years have been a wonderful experience.

“Being involved in the growth of the Association and our Lincs and Notts service has been an immense privilege. I’m extremely grateful for the Award and I’ve had a wonderful night. Thank you!”

The whole Charity is of course very proud of both Peters and believe they both truly deserve such accolades. Well done to them both!

For more info on The Air Ambulance Association visit: www.associationofairambulances.co.uk