Colleagues from across our Derbyshire division were recognised for their long service and outstanding contribution in a ceremony at Makeney Hall Hotel, Belper on Tuesday 17 March. 700 years of combined service to EMAS and the wider NHS was celebrated on the day, with staff receiving awards for 10, 20, 30 and even 40 years of service.

Staff were also recognised for their commitment to EMAS in the Divisional Director Awards and retiring staff were also acknowledged on the day.

Deputy Lieutenant for Derbyshire, Mr Andrew Allsop and The High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Sir Richard FitzHerbert joined leaders, frontline colleagues and support staff to celebrate the outstanding milestones and contribution achieved.

Craig Whyles, Divisional Director for Derbyshire said:

"These awards are about recognising the passion, hardwork and commitment that each of the staff recognised bring to Derbyshire each day. The contributions that have been recognised inspire us, set the standard for excellence and drive us forward as a division. 

Ben Holdaway, Director of Operations said: 

"It is amazing to be here today celebrating 700 years of service to EMAS and the wider NHS. What a difference that will have made to people's lives over the years."

Award recipients included:

10 years

• John Woolley
• Stephen Broughton
• Sophie Lister
• Natalie Morton
• Rosie Harrison
• Gary Hope
• Megan Fallows
• Sam Lindop
• Payton Dickenson
• Mick Clarke
• Lee Martschenko
• Kerry Norman
• Kerry Harris
• Julian King
• Jayne Easom
• James Fletcher
• Hannah Harper
• Elliot Grayson
• Dawn Wood
• David Rovardi
• Danielle Buczak
• Dale Jackson
• Corrine Brown
• Angela Squire

20 years

• Mark Laister
• Alan Wilson
• Nathan Alger
• Natalie Wibberley
• Allan Gale
• Steven Collyer
• Suzanne Wilson
• Richard Smith
• Jenna Barker
• Doug Kerr
• Adam Lethbridge
• Steven Giles
• Alison Waring
• Gemma Oakes
• Sally Taylor
• Mark Hill
• Kieran Rodgers
• Adrian Ward
• Jen Edgar
• Ian Phillips
• Heidi Stinson
• Bruce MacLaurin
• Amy Rollason
• Alison Balfour

30 years

• Terry Price
• Steve Mawman
• Louise Barlow
• James Bonner

40 years

• Stephanie Bodell

Divisional Director Awards

Selected by Craig Whyles for those who have gone above and beyond in their role. 

• Mark Laister
• Alan Maddison
• Kimberely Davey
• Lindsey Walker
• Katheryn Cartledge
• Kurtis Hoult
• Jack Barton
• Elliott Spencer
• Jason Hewitt

Retirement

Recognised for their service and achievements while working for EMAS.

• Andy Magee
• Mark Hill

Staff Stories

As the awards ceremony concluded, we spoke to colleagues Jayne Easom, Stephanie Bodell and Andy Magee who reflected on their awards, time at EMAS and highlights of their career.

Jayne Easom

Jayne has been a familiar and valued presence at Ripley throughout her 13 years with EMAS. In her role as Domestic, she plays a vital part in keeping the station running smoothly, maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming environment for our operational teams as they come and go throughout their shifts.

Known for her friendly nature and approachable personality, Jayne is the person colleagues and visitors can always rely on for a warm hello and a good conversation. Her genuine interest in others and her positive influence contribute to the strong sense of community that Ripley Ambulance Station is known for.

Reaching 10 years of service is a significant accomplishment, one which Jayne is exceptionally proud of.

She said: “It is really nice to be recognised for my service and I work with a lovely group of people which is part of what motivates me in my job.

“More recently, I have moved to working part time to spend more time with my family and especially my grandchildren, but I do enjoy coming into work and having a laugh and a joke with the crews.

“Lindsey, the Ripley Station Manager is lovely and it is a great place to work.”

Stephanie Bodell

It is no small task to summarise four decades of commitment, compassion and professionalism, but Steph’s career speaks for itself. She joined the service on 18 February 1985, beginning in Patient Transport Services before progressing through the clinical pathway. Her curiosity, determination and caring nature led her to become a Technician and later a Paramedic, a role in which she has supported and cared for countless patients across South Derbyshire.

Caring for others has been a defining theme throughout Steph’s life, both personally and professionally. Her forty years of service, resilience and compassion make her an inspiration to colleagues across Derbyshire and a true credit to EMAS.

Speaking about her 40 years of service, Steph said:

“I have been a Paramedic for twenty years so half my time in the service and what drives me is the enjoyment of the job and being able to get out each day, looking forward to what that day will bring.

“The friendships I have made during my 40 years have been one of the most important parts of my journey here at EMAS. It is always having someone to hold your hand, give you support and give you a hug when you need one.”

When asked what advice she would give to anyone looking to start out on their journey in the ambulance service, Steph joked:

“I think you’re mad!”

“But to be honest, the best advice would be to start how I did, in Patient Transport Services. You learn so much, getting to know your patients, the area you are working in, the hospitals within your area and how to work with all the different departments involved within not only the ambulance service but the hospitals too. That experience has been invaluable in my career."

Andy Magee

Andy’s retirement marks the end of an era not only for his team, but for Derbyshire Division, EMAS, and the many colleagues who have had the privilege of working alongside him throughout his impressive career. Known for his integrity, passion, exceptional work ethic and wicked sense of humour, Andy has made a lasting impression that goes far beyond any job description.

Andy began his Ambulance Service career in 1989 within Non‑Emergency Patient Transport. Over the decades, he built a diverse and influential path — progressing through frontline roles as a Technician and Paramedic, before moving into education and later a range of operational leadership positions, including Group Station Manager, Service Improvement Manager and General Manager.

His expertise also took him beyond EMAS, with roles in Primary Care Trusts and the Strategic Health Authority, before returning to continue his leadership journey within the service. Andy concludes his outstanding career as Head of Operations for Derbyshire, a role in which he has made a significant and lasting contribution.

While his professional impact is substantial, it is Andy’s kindness, patience and genuine good nature that colleagues will remember most. He has shown what true leadership looks like.

As Andy moves into a new chapter with more time for family, hobbies, travel and well‑earned rest, his influence and legacy will continue long after his final shift.

Reflecting on his career, Andy said:

“I have had many highlights in my career, including in 2012 when I led on the EMAS support to London Ambulance Service for the Olympics. I was lucky enough to take the team down to the capital and lead them along with other ambulance services across the country.  I would say was the best time of my career.

“I think I will miss the people the most now that I am retiring. We have a really close-knit team in the division and I have met with and worked with some brilliant people across Derbyshire over the years, especially those who I have been on my journey with throughout my career and seen develop into the people they are today.”

Mark Hill

After 22 years of dedicated service, Derbyshire Paramedic Mark Hill is retiring. Mark was recently recognised at our Derbyshire Long Service and Awards for his commitment and his lasting impact which will be left across the county and within EMAS.

Mark began his career at Ripley Ambulance Station in 2004, quickly becoming a committed and dependable member of the team. In 2025, he continued his journey at Heath, working part‑time on the FRV and bringing professionalism, calm and adaptability to every shift.

As well as supporting patients and colleagues on the frontline, Mark has played an important role behind the scenes. His contribution to vehicle standardisation, helping shape the design and layout of the ambulance fleet, has strengthened the functionality, safety and efficiency of vehicles used by crews across the region. His attention to detail and practical insight will continue to benefit frontline teams for many years to come.

In 2019, Mark also became one of the faces of EMAS, featuring in our series of Big 3, Respond, Develop, Collaborate short films where he was turned into an avatar which he proudly still talks about to this day!

After 20 years of service, dedication and commitment to both colleagues and the Derbyshire communities, Mark will be hanging up his boots and retiring.

He said:

“I have been here 22 years and it has been a great career. I think the biggest highlight for me is the legacy of the work I will be leaving with the EMAS vehicles, which is something I am really proud of.

“The work I have undertaken alongside our Fleet team to standardise our vehicles has helped save so many lives and has helped so many staff with responding to our patients.

“Now that I am retiring, I will miss going out everyday and making a difference to people across Derbyshire and knowing that whether I helped save their life or just gave them some advice, that when I left, it helped make a difference to their lives.”

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