AEDdonate, who are a charity based in Stone, Staffordshire, have been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.

AEDdonate who were established in 2014 are renowned for their expertise in providing defibrillators to communities throughout the UK, along with supporting the installation, maintenance, and management of these life-saving devices. The charity also provides training sessions to provide confidence and awareness around community defibrillators. 

Founded by Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Richards, AEDdonate is committed to improving survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and has within the last few months, collaborated with Leek Building Society, recently named the UK’s Best Building Society 2023 and Staffordshire’s Employer of the Year, to fund the installation of 100 life-saving defibrillators in local communities during a four-year partnership.

Volunteers at AEDdonate generously give their time, commitment, and dedication in many roles that enable the charity to provide such an essential service to the community. A few of the roles include supporting the 24/7 on-call line, performing defibrillator site visits, and attending events to raise awareness about Sudden Cardiac Arrests and the need for more defibrillators. 

AEDdonate has 3 charity shops based in Stone, Newport, and Market Drayton. All funding raised from these shops goes to the charity to continue providing their life-saving services and grants to the community. The shops are supported by a fantastic network of volunteers who are the friendly face within the community. 

Chief Executive Officer at AEDdonate Jamie Richards said “We are extremely proud and honoured that AEDdonate has received this award. It’s fantastic recognition for our loyal team who work tirelessly to support so many communities throughout the UK. This award is a tribute to all of the dedicated work by our volunteers, past and present.

AEDdonate is one of 262 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive this prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth Il and following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue with this Award, with recipients being announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.

AEDdonate will receive the Award crystal and certificate from Lord-Lieutenant Ian Dudson the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire.

In addition, two representatives from AEDdonate will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024, along with other recipients of this year’s Award.

Lord-Lieutenants represent the monarch in each of the UK’s ceremonial counties.

1. This year there are 262 recipients of The King’s Award Voluntary Service from across the UK and Channel Islands.

1. More information on the recipients and the Award can be found at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/

2. Full details on how to nominate are available at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk/

3. Nominations for the 2025 awards will open on the 1st June 2024