Everyone at AEDdonate is delighted to celebrate the news that Jamie Richards, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AEDdonate, has been awarded an MBE in The King’s Birthday Honours List for services to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness.
Jamie Richards Awarded MBE for Services to Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
The honour recognises Jamie’s dedication to improving access to life-saving defibrillators and emergency response education. Through his work as Founder and Chief Executive of AEDdonate, he has helped communities across the UK become better prepared to respond when every second counts.
From Firefighter to Charity Founder
Jamie’s journey began long before AEDdonate was founded. During his career as a firefighter, he witnessed first-hand the vital role a defibrillator can play during a sudden cardiac arrest. He also recognised that access to these life-saving devices was limited in many communities.
Driven by a belief that everyone should have access to a defibrillator when they need one most, Jamie left the fire service in 2014 with a vision to help change that.
That vision became AEDdonate.
Building a National Impact
Today, AEDdonate is a charity dedicated to improving access to defibrillators, raising awareness and empowering people with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency. Through the collective efforts of staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, partners and fundraisers, AEDdonate has helped bring life-saving equipment and education into communities across the UK.
Reflections on the Honour
Commenting on the award, Jamie Richards, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of AEDdonate, said:
“Receiving an MBE is an extraordinary honour and one that I never imagined I would receive. I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to be recognised in this way.
Whilst this award bears my name, it is really a reflection of the remarkable people who have stood alongside AEDdonate throughout our journey. Our dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees, supporters, fundraisers, partners and donors have all played a vital role in helping us build something truly special.
What began as a simple belief that everyone should have access to life-saving defibrillators has grown into a mission that continues to bring communities together. Time and again, we have seen the difference that people can make when they unite behind a shared purpose, supporting one another and helping to create safer, more resilient communities.
I would like to thank everyone who has supported our mission, particularly those who have shared their personal experiences and trusted us to help make a difference where they live and work. This honour belongs to them as much as it does to me.
I accept this recognition with immense pride on behalf of the entire AEDdonate family and with renewed determination to continue our work. There is still much more to do. We remain committed to improving access to life-saving equipment, education and awareness for communities across the UK.”
A Message from the Chairman
Colin Hurley, Chairman of AEDdonate, said:
“I am delighted to congratulate Jamie on being awarded an MBE, a richly deserved honour that recognises his exceptional dedication to public service and community wellbeing.
Through his outstanding work with AEDdonate, Jamie has made a significant and lasting contribution, helping to improve access to life-saving equipment and raising awareness of its vital importance.
This recognition reflects the leadership, commitment and positive impact Jamie has demonstrated in service to others.”
This honour marks an important milestone in AEDdonate’s journey and recognises the passion, vision and commitment that have shaped the organisation from the very beginning.
Congratulations to Jamie Richards MBE on this remarkable and richly deserved achievement.
