Tired and emotional - a day to remember!

Phew - it's been an emotional rollercoaster sort of day. I thought I'd be sitting here this evening all deflated after such a big day but I've shed a tear, had a laugh and still feel excited and delighted by the amazing support Devon Air Ambulance has had today.



From 12 until 3pm today (21.1.10) BBC Radio Devon broadcast from our new airbase at Eaglescott Airfield in North Devon in order to cover its official opening ceremony. It was a great show. Over the course of 3 hours, presenter David Fitzgerald interviewed patients, volunteers, staff and crew live on air, had a tour of the new base and a tour of the aircraft. Morning show presenter Judi Spiers cut the ribbon.



It was great fun and we were delighted with the support we had from so many people. However, the opening was not the only news today. Judi also took the opportunity to announce the launch of the BBC Radio Devon Air Ambulance Appeal (you'd think we planned it eh?!). [see http://bit.ly/7VA9sd & http://bit.ly/8gM5VX]



Over the last few weeks the BBC have interviewed a few of our patients and also followed the crew. For a couple of weeks they've been broadcasting 'teasers': extracts of these interviews which have helped to build up a sense of anticipation. On the way there, after a restless night, I was obviously listening in and catching some of these. I work closely with two of the people featured and it was really moving to hear the stories which I now know underpin their amazing drive and passion for the cause.



Once up at the base it was a great pleasure to meet so many other patients who had benefitted from the service and volunteers and local businesses who have made it all possible through their incredible fundraising achievements.



So why has the base been named The Steve Ford Airbase? This is in tribute to one of our much loved and greatly missed colleagues who died tragically too soon in a motorbike accident in 2008. [See news: http://bit.ly/6B2Rjk]. Before the BBC broadcast started we had our own naming ceremony with Steve's wife and children. Looking back at the end of the day (nice to be using that over-worked phrase at 23.57 precisely!) this was the briefest but most moving part of the day.



It fell to me to say just a few words before we raised a toast to Steve and fell on the Danishes. The interviews, recorded or live, TV or radio, which followed, were a doddle in comparison and even writing about it now my eyes are welling up. I'm a bit embarrassed about this as I only knew Steve for a year, but he was simply one of the loveliest people I've ever met and it was a very emotional moment.



Steve was warm, funny, over-whelmingly human, talked a lot and made me feel so at home from the first time I met him. He would share the photos on his phone with obvious love and pride for his family and friends, was generous with his always constructive advice and with his time. I had no idea until he died that he had also been a hero in the most real sense of the word, through his work in bomb disposal, but it was not a surprise. The airbase is a real achievement for us and a fitting lasting tribute to Steve - as his son said afterwards, it beats a bench!



So from tears to laughter, which is what he would have wanted! The rest of the day sped past in a blur of greetings, hugs, laughs and interviews. It really was fun - but absolutely bloody freezing (no heating in the hangar!). I was so proud of the team who organised the event and all of the staff who worked hard on the day to ensure everything went so well.



In the car on the way home I listened in to the stories and ongoing coverage and welled up again, this time with the realisation of what a privilege it is to work for an organisation which really does make a difference to people's lives everyday. At home I managed to persuade small boy to forego his usual CBBC pre bed viewing for Spotlight, hanging on to see if we'd be on. Delighted to say we made it through to the final edit and my Mum was happy to report she thought I looked cold. Uh, yesss!



Looking ahead, I am SOOO excited about the huge opportunity we have to engage with a whole new audience through our partnership with BBC Radio Devon. Using all sorts of media, we can really get to know people and they us. Like I said at the top, phew! Sad, nervous, happy, proud, excited, delighted, tears, lots of smiles and laughs and so much more. It is a bit late and also the day after now but I am going to sleep well for what is left of the night. Goodnight!