Heléna Holt is leaving DAA after 17 years as Chief Executive. She shares some reflections on her time leading the charity this International Women’s Day.
As she prepares for retirement, Heléna shares her experience of leading DAA for almost two decades.
Heléna Holt has led Devon Air Ambulance for over 17 years. She became interested in the charity while helping her sister with fundraising activities in Dartmoor. When the role came up, she applied and got it, and hasn’t looked back since.
“When I started, the charity raised roughly £3-4m a year to fund the ambulance service. Back then, it was essentially a flying ambulance service, focused on speed – getting people to the right care as quickly as possible,” said Heléna.
Today, the focus has shifted to getting the right care to the patient, emphasising the speed of treatment rather than transportation.
“Financially, the charity has transformed massively, thanks to our incredible supporters. Now, it has a turnover well over £15m, is clinically independent, has CQC registration, and owns its own aircraft. The organisation is unrecognisable compared to its early days.”
'The best job in Devon'
Heléna has never taken the role for granted and says it has been a huge opportunity and a privilege.
“When I joined, people would ask ‘what do you do’ and I’d tell them I had the best job in Devon. I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to work for Devon Air Ambulance.
“It’s one of those organisations that gets under your skin. Everybody in their own way has an impact, even if it’s trialing a new way of doing something, sharing an idea, or bringing a sense of humor to something. My job was about facilitating that so people could make the best contribution they could.”
The impact the charity has had on people’s lives will leave a lasting impression on Heléna.
One of the joys of this job is the number of patients and families I’ve been lucky enough to meet and talk to. Within the first week of starting, I quickly understood that it’s not always about saving lives; for some, it’s about being able to say goodbye to somebody, or that someone just remembers their care. What people remember is the hand that was held, the kind words, or the bit of banter that helped them get through a terrifying time.
“I realised this early on when I was asked to go to Tavistock for a cheque presentation. A woman had been raising money because we airlifted her husband to Derriford after a heart attack on the golf course. The family got to say goodbye, and that’s why she raised that money. It struck a chord with me that it’s not always about saving a life, it’s about those moments of care as well.
“Another patient had a horrific accident and lost a limb, but against all odds survived. I remember the photograph of him walking his daughter down the aisle! He wouldn’t have been there without our help, so it was really emotional.”
Responding to global challenges
The role hasn’t been without challenges, and Heléna recalls one of the most difficult periods in her leadership when Covid made communication extremely challenging.
“Working through Covid was hard. The inability to communicate effectively was the real challenge. We even had to ground the aircraft for six weeks because we couldn’t separate the crew and the patients. Fortunately, we found a solution and got back up and running relatively quickly.”
Now her time at Devon Air Ambulance has come to an end, Heléna reflects on the future.
The difficult bit for me has been deciding when to go. There’s always something exciting around the corner, like the plans for the new HQ and airbase. We need to make the best of what we have, but we’re currently held back by our lack of facilities.
“When I finish, I will be cleaning and fixing the house, and I’ll have a couple of mini breaks while I decide what to do next. I don’t know what that will look like, but it’s exciting – I’ve never had a career plan, I’ve always just taken opportunities that fit.”
Serving the people of Devon
As she leaves the organisation, one of Heléna’s last acts will be to present a lifetime presidency award to Ann Ralli, the charity’s founder.
“Ann is a force of nature. Once you get to know her, you realise how hard she had to fight to get DAA up and running. Her sheer determination in campaigning, fundraising, and lobbying is extraordinary. All that because her son, Ceri, died because he didn’t get treatment quickly enough when he was knocked off his bicycle. She is truly inspirational and unique.”
Heléna also pays tribute to the thousands of people across the county who have supported the charity over the years.
Devon Air Ambulance is held in trust by and for the people of Devon, who make its work possible. The organisation is here to serve them, and that mission remains at the heart of everything it does.
Heléna has handed her duties over to our new Chief Executive, Greg Allen, and will continue to support him in his induction until the end of March when she officially retires.
We are so grateful to Heléna for her incredible contribution to the continued lifesaving work of Devon Air Ambulance over the past 17 years. Thank you, Heléna – we wish you all the best with life after Devon Air Ambulance!
