A night to reflect, connect and look ahead: Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity hosts its 2025 AGM
Wednesday, 01 October 2025
Held in the hangar at the Semington airbase, the AGM offered guests a unique insight into the lifesaving work made possible by their support. Hosted by trustee Graham Seaman, the evening brought together key figures from across the organisation, each sharing highlights and developments from the past 12 months.
A year of strength and transformation
The official business of the evening was led by chair Rob Kevan, who welcomed attendees, shared the latest updates on governance, and confirmed the accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2024.
Finance and infrastructure director Danielle Friend then walked guests through the Charity’s financial position, emphasising the continued support needed to sustain its vital work. Behind every figure lies the generosity of individuals, businesses and volunteers who ensure the air ambulance can be there when it is needed most.
Supporting recovery through Aftercare
One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came with the introduction of the Charity’s new Aftercare Support service, led by critical care paramedic Louise Cox. Launched in the last year, the programme provides ongoing support for patients and their families following an incident, ensuring care continues well beyond the emergency. In the first 12 months, Louise has already supported over 100 people as part of the aftercare service.
Education for the next generation
Attendees also heard from Andrew Robinson, manager of the Charity’s education programme, Aware+. In 2024 alone, 11,529 young people across 89 schools in Wiltshire and Bath were taught essential lifesaving skills. The importance of this work was clear – helping young people become more confident and capable in emergency situations.
Learn more about our Aware+ program here.
The power of lived experience
In a moving segment, former patient Pete Burch shared his personal journey following a life-threatening incident in 2015. Now an employee of the Charity, working as trusts and major donor lead, Pete spoke about his recovery and what it means to join the very team that once helped save his life. His story brought home the full circle of care and commitment that the Charity embodies.
Reflecting on a new identity
Marketing and communications manager Amy Noad provided a snapshot of the Charity’s first nine months of the year since its rebrand to Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity. The change has strengthened recognition in Bath, better reflecting the scope of the service and its roots across both areas.
The Charity’s supporter database in Bath has grown by 36%, and donations from the city have already reached a record high this year - with three months still remaining.
Click here to view more about our re-branding decision.
Life on board
Chief pilot Matt Wilcock, with more than 10 years’ service to the Charity, concluded the presentations with an inside look at the aviation side of operations. From technical detail, expanding capability, and to getting there faster, Matt offered a fascinating view from the cockpit of Helimed22.
Looking to the future
Closing the evening, chair Rob Kevan shared news of upcoming leadership changes. Chief executive David Philpott will retire at the end of 2026 after more than 15 years of dedicated service. Current deputy Barbara Gray has been confirmed as the next CEO, and both Adam Baker and Rebecca de la Bedoyere will take on director roles in January, as director of communications and supporter engagement, and director of income generation respectively.
Guests were then invited to ask questions and speak directly with the team behind the Charity's operations.
The evening marked a reflection on a successful and impactful year and, as always, the Charity’s message was clear – none of this would be possible without the community's generosity.
