Meet the Okehampton volunteers who keep Devon’s air ambulances flying

For seven years, Carol Beck and Jane Ingram have been the friendly faces greeting customers at the Okehampton branch of Devon Air Ambulance charity shops. 

Since opening under the guidance of long-serving manager Emma Tayler-Newman, the shop has become a vital touchpoint in the community, not just for raising funds to keep the air ambulances flying, but also for offering meaningful connection and purpose to those who volunteer their time.

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Carol, who moved to Okehampton from Kent 12 years ago, joined the shop soon after her retirement. 

“I like being on the till because I get to talk to lots of people, there are so many different people coming in and out all the time, and I enjoy making them feel welcome,” she says.

Volunteering two mornings a week, Carol helps customers and organises fresh stock on the shop floor. “The shop feels more like a boutique than a charity shop,” she adds. “It’s a nice place to be.”

Becoming stronger through change

Over the years, Carol has seen the shop, and the community, through many changes. From helping the branch move premises, to navigating COVID-19 restrictions, to assisting after the recent flooding, her dedication has never faltered.

She continues because she believes in the cause. “I enjoy it and I care about the organisation,” she says, emphasising how every sale helps to keep Devon’s two helicopters and four critical care cars operational.

Shop manager Emma Tayler-Newman reflects on that community spirit:

“We have a very supportive community in Okehampton, and that support comes in different ways, from donations of clothes, toys and bric-a-brac to donations of time through volunteering. Nobody knows when they might need us, so they help when they can.”

Jane’s story: Giving back after being saved

For fellow volunteer Jane Ingram, the Devon Air Ambulance holds even greater personal meaning. 

Like Carol, she joined when the Okehampton shop first opened, but her reason for volunteering comes from a deeply personal experience.

“I had a heart attack while walking on Dartmoor, I just collapsed on the hillside,” she recalls. 

“Luckily, my husband was with me and could phone for help. Devon Air Ambulance saved my life.”

Devon’s rural and rugged geography often makes quick access to emergency care difficult. 

The charity’s helicopters provide a vital lifeline, ensuring that critical care doctors and paramedics can reach patients wherever they are.

“Their helicopter was able to get me to Exeter so quickly that I had no lasting damage, and I’m totally back to normal now,” Jane says.

ABOVE: Community volunteers, including Carol (pictured) at the Okehampton charity shop are helping ensure rapid emergency response across Devon (Image: Dawn Todd)

Finding purpose through volunteering

Long before her health scare, Jane had already been giving back to her community, volunteering at the Museum of Dartmoor Life after retiring and moving to the area.

“I wanted to become part of the community and meet people,” she explains. “When you’re retired, you do need to make an effort to get out, and volunteering is a great way to do that.”

When the Okehampton charity shop opened, joining felt like the natural next step. “It’s a way of giving back,” she says with a smile. “I’m just so grateful for what the charity did for me and for what they do every day for the people of Devon.”

More than a shop

For both Carol and Jane, volunteering is about more than giving time. It’s about the sense of purpose that comes from being part of something important. 

They know that every item sold and every hour spent behind the counter helps keep the air ambulances flying.

As Emma puts it: “The lifeblood of our organisation isn’t just in the helicopters, it’s in the local people who give their time so generously.”

The Okehampton Devon Air Ambulance shop is currently looking for additional volunteer support. 

Anyone interested can email dawn@westdevoncvs.org.uk for more information or pop into the Okehampton shop to speak to Emma.