A young girl who received care from Essex & Herts Air Ambulance has opened the charity's newest shop in Hemel Hempstead.
Ella Major, accompanied by her mother Louise Major, cut the ribbon at the store on Marlowes on March 6, marking a special moment for the family who have become passionate supporters of the life-saving charity.
In 2023, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's critical care team attended to Ella at her school in Hemel Hempstead after she fell from a tree and seriously broke her leg.
The team quickly assessed her injury, provided advanced pain relief to keep her comfortable, and carefully stabilised her leg before transferring her to Watford General Hospital for urgent treatment. She underwent surgery the next day to have plates and pins fitted.
Grateful for the care received, Ella and her family have been determined to give back. For the past three years they have organised Boxfest, a charity music event that has drawn in around 200 people each time and raised over £6,000 for Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.
Louise has since taken her support even further, becoming a volunteer for the charity. She helps by holding talks at community groups to raise awareness and funds.
"It was such an honour to cut the ribbon and officially open this new shop," Louise said. "You never think you're going to need them, but when you do, you realise they are the best people you could hope for. We're so proud to support the charity and help ensure other families receive the same incredible care."
Mayor of Dacorum, Cllr Catherine McArevey also joined the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with EHAAT pilot Captain Andy Moorhouse, shop manager Paula Burgin and the amazing team of volunteers.
Lee Hodgins, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Retail Business manager, said: "We are thrilled to be opening our doors in Hemel Hempstead and becoming part of this wonderful community. The support we've received so far has been incredible, and we're looking forward to welcoming local residents to shop with us and discover high-end fashion, quality clothing, bric-a-brac, books and hidden treasures.
"We'd love to encourage the community to donate their pre-loved goods – every item helps us continue our life-saving mission. We're also always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our shop teams. This is our 12th shop and our sixth in Hertfordshire, alongside our popular donation centre in Stevenage, and each one plays a vital role in funding the critical care that families like Ella's rely on."
The new shop at 232 Marlowes opened its doors to a crowd of eager customers on March 6.
All proceeds support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance's life-saving work across Essex, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas, helping critical care teams be there for people on the worst day of their lives.
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