Welsh Ambulance Service celebrates long-serving colleagues across Wales
07.10.2025
THE Welsh Ambulance Service has celebrated its long-serving staff and volunteers at awards ceremonies across Wales.
Colleagues with 20, 30 and 40 years of service were presented with medals at events in north, south and mid Wales to recognise their length of service.
Among those at the events were paramedics, emergency medical technicians, call handlers, allocators and corporate colleagues from across the country.
Those who had 20 years specifically in the Emergency Medical Service were also presented with a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
At the first ceremony in Llandudno, recipients were joined on stage by the High Sheriff of Clwyd, Julie Gillbanks, along with the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Edmund Bailey.
Amongst those being recognised in north Wales was Operations Manager Carey Jones, who has amassed an amazing 40 years of service, having begun his career in 1984 with the Gwynedd Ambulance Service as it was known at the time.
Carey, 63, who lives with his wife Karen in Blaenau Ffestiniog and has three grown up sons, still isn’t quite ready to fully retire and instead, has opted to reduce his workload, committing to two shifts a week.
Carey, who is also a keen photographer and fisherman said: “I have seen the ambulance service evolve so much over the last four decades, going from a regional service in the 1980s all the way to the national service it is today.
“Today, we are a modern service providing a far greater range of services and clinical support to the people of Wales and I’m proud to be part of that transformation.”
Meanwhile, at the ceremony in Newport, south Wales, Regional Clinical Lead, Mike Jenkins was also presented with an award recognising his 40 years of service by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent, Brigadier Robert Aitken.
Mike, 64, who lives in Rhiwbina with his wife, Alison, first joined what was then known as the South Glamorgan Ambulance Service in May 1984.
During a long career, Mike and was among the first in the UK to qualify as an Advanced Paramedic Practitioner in 2006.
Last year, Mike was also awarded the prestigious King’s Ambulance Service Medal for distinguished service.
Looking back over his more than four decades of service, Mike said: “I have so many wonderful memories and have met so many brilliant people during my career.
“The Welsh Ambulance Service has been a fantastic place to work but what makes it special is the way we all look after each other.
“No matter what is going on, there is always someone who is happy to lend a hand or provide support.”
Mike now has one eye on retirement and plans to slowly wind down over the next year or two, looking to eventually retire in 2027 to focus full time on his family, golf and his love of boats and fishing.
At the third and final ceremony held in Gwbert, west Wales Nurse Advisor Philippa Downing also received an award in recognition of her 45 years of service within the NHS.
Philippa, 63, who lives in Pontarddulais with her husband, Rob, began her career at the age of 18.
Philippa began her career in cardiac care, based at the National Heart Hospital in London before returning to Wales where she spent eight years as a Sister in the Cardiac Care Unit at the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend.
She later became a Ward sister before moving on to NHS Direct, which later became NHS 111 Wales.
Looking back over a career that has spanned five decades, Philippa said: “I miss the face-to-face interaction with patients and in many ways, it’s a much more challenging role taking calls as a Nurse Advisor as I can only go off the information I’m being given over the phone.
“The training however, especially around mental health has been fantastic and I still really enjoy what I do.
“I don’t have any firm plans to retire yet as I enjoy what I do and feel like I’m still contributing.
“If ever I feel differently, I’ll know it’s time to retire - but that time isn’t now.”
Chief Executive, Emma Wood, said: "People often turn to us at their most difficult moments, when they’re frightened, injured, vulnerable, or unwell.
“Working in the ambulance service isn’t just another job; it’s a role that truly changes lives.
“It’s incredible to hear that the Long Service Awards we presented at the three ceremonies across Wales represent more than 3,500 years of combined service and dedication.
“I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to every recipient and I’m deeply proud of everything they have achieved."
Almost 150 colleagues across the Trust received a Long Service Award this year.
These included ten members of staff who had accrued an amazing 40 years of service, with a further 35 individuals amassing 30 years of service each.
Chair Colin Dennis added: "When the Long Service Awards were first introduced, they marked the fulfilment of a long-held ambition to honour and celebrate the dedication and commitment of our people in a way truly worthy of the occasion.
“It’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable contributions of colleagues from every corner of Wales.
“The heart of the Welsh Ambulance Service is its people - those who work tirelessly, day and night, all year round, to serve the communities of Wales.
“My warmest congratulations to all of our recipients, and my deepest thanks for everything you have given to the Welsh Ambulance Service."