Stevenage paramedic among finalists for Who Cares Wins awards

A senior paramedic who has worked for the East of England Ambulance Service for 34 years is among the finalists for the Sun newspaper’s Who Cares Win Awards.

Mark Giddens, who works out of Stevenage Ambulance Station, is one of three finalists for the 999 Hero category at the annual awards which are held at the Roundhouse in Camden and broadcast on Channel 4 on Sunday, October 24.

The Sun shortlisted Mark for the award after hearing of his tireless dedication to the ambulance service and patients – both inside and outside of working hours.

Starting his career as a call handler, Mark has progressed through the ranks to become an advanced clinical practitioner – a senior paramedic who has undergone additional education and training to increase the range of treatments they are able to provide patients.

During his career Mark has saved countless lives, delivered more than 50 babies and inspired dozens of paramedics.

He also volunteers as a GoodSam responder to support his local community out of hours.

Mark told the Sun: "All these years later I still love my job. I love helping people.

“We go into people's lives often at the best time of their life, when they are having a baby, or the worst, when they might be seriously unwell, injured or dying. We can make a real difference.

"Even the way you speak to a patient can make a difference, or the way you smile. People remember that.”

Mark was nominated for the award by his wife Kathryn, who also works at EEAST and will accompany him at the awards, and Tim Hickey, the clinical lead for primary & urgent care at EEAST.

Tim said: “Mark is an asset to the ambulance service and during his service has amassed vast knowledge and experience in emergency medicine.

“On top of that he is an all round top bloke and is brilliant at teaching younger colleagues in order to improve the service provided to our patients.”

A review of the finalists for the 999 Hero Category can be found on the Sun’s website.