Wednesday 26 October, 2022: St John Ambulance has announced that it will receive up to £1 million from The Medlock Charitable Trust to purchase new life saving, greener, cleaner and more efficient emergency vehicles, over the next three years. 

The Medlock Charitable Trust - a family-run grant-making organisation working with charities to support the young, elderly, disabled and vulnerable - has committed to matching the fundraising efforts of St John and communities across England; enabling St John to significantly enhance its fleet and continue its life saving work.  

St John Ambulance is the charity that steps forward to help in the moments that matter, to save lives and keep communities safe. With their clinical expertise and national presence, St John’s thousands of volunteers are uniquely placed to serve the country.  Additional, efficient vehicles, that volunteers can use to respond to the ever growing and changing health needs of communities are crucial for better patient care and outcomes.  

In 2019, St John launched its 10-year strategy to replace and maintain a cost effective, modern fleet of vehicles designed and tested by St John people.  With the funds raised by local communities, businesses and individuals and matched by The Medlock Charitable Trust, St John will purchase 12 electric cars and 15 community support units and, depending on the total sum, will upgrade some of its ageing ambulances. The more money raised, the more The Medlock Charitable Trust will donate - of up to £1million - the greater the local benefit, for no extra cost. 

Better fleet, better for the environment, better experience 

As a charity conscious of its impact on the environment, St John is looking at alternatives to petrol and diesel, and how its carbon footprint can be reduced. With the aim of disposing of old diesel vehicles and replacing them with new greener alternatives – the electric cars, community support units and state of the art ambulances – St John is on the road to achieving its sustainability goal.   

With vehicles on hand operating out of 34 hubs around the country to be used by thousands of highly skilled volunteers – each vehicle has been specially designed to ensure St John can give immediate treatment and care.  

David Medlock, Chairman of The Medlock Charitable Trust said: “As a long-term supporter of St John, I’ve witnessed the charity’s significant, positive contribution towards local communities through its healthcare and response to emergencies. I fully back St John’s commitment to protecting lives, while trying to protect the environment. I believe in empowering people to preserve and enhance the wellbeing of their own communities and hope that together, the funds raised can go further.”  

St John Ambulance’s acting chief executive, Richard Lee, says: “The pledge of £1 million is wonderful news for St John and will significantly help enhance the care we can offer in communities across the country and contribute to more lives saved locally. We’re incredibly grateful to The Medlock Charitable Trust for their generosity and we look forward to seeing the positive use made by St John Ambulance people of the vehicles in the future as they continue our lifesaving mission.” 

The Medlock Charitable Trust is also supporting St John’s Christmas appeal and matching funds raised by existing donors of St John’s of up to £55,000 to ensure that St John volunteers are fully trained and equipped, so that they can use the vehicles and carry out their life-saving work.  To donate to the appeal, visit www.sja.org.uk/christmas2022 

To find out how you can support your community and make the most of this amazing opportunity please contact our community fundraising team on: 03331881201 or by emailing communityfundraising@sja.org.uk