Ambulance staff join charity children's truck convoy to ensure safety and smiles

Disabled and disadvantaged children in Norfolk enjoying a fun day out with the East Coast Truckers Children’s Convoy will be supported by East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) staff.

EEAST members of staff will join the convoy of 98 lorries on Sunday, August 27 when they transport the children from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills in Lowestoft.

EEAST staff give up their own time to provide medical cover at the event which has become a fixture in the Norfolk calendar and sees large crowds lining the street to see the large convoy in a Police escort.

Teresa Church, Hearing Chair, has been instrumental in establishing the partnership with the East Coast Truckers Charity and organises the volunteer medical cover with Clayton Freeman, a duty manager in the emergency operations centre in Chelmsford.

Teresa says:

“It is very emotional seeing the joy on the children’s faces throughout the day – from travelling in convoy in the trucks to enjoying the attractions at Pleasurewood Hills.

“EEAST have been involved with the charity since 2005 and it’s an absolute pleasure to be part of this joyous event.

“We are delighted to see its return and our colleagues are thrilled to support the event in their free time.”

The Trustees of the East Coast Truckers said:

“The support that East of England Ambulance Service and the other Emergency Services gives us is invaluable to the success of the convoy.

“People love to see them joining in and its an opportunity for these children to meet some of the staff in less stressful environments.

“The trustees and members are pleased to have the have the continued support of EEAST.”