A pilot from UK air ambulance charity the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), who was awarded the prestigious military cross in 2007, has taken over the role as the charity's chief pilot.

Keith Armatage from Newcastle has been with the charity for six and a half years following a 25-year career in the military. The promotion comes after GNAAS' former chief pilot Jay Steward stepped down due to ill health after 10 years of service to the charity.

Armatage says: “I feel very privileged to be asked to be chief pilot. It has come as a bit of a shock, but I am honoured, nonetheless. It's just sad and disappointing to see Jay go under the circumstances. I've worked closely alongside him and the work he has done for the charity has been unbelievable.”

The 49-year-old left school at 16 and joined the army at 18 where he served for 25 years before spending a year flying with the North West Air Ambulance Service (NWAS).

He continues: “I am really looking forward to my new role, especially when we have a brand-new base in Eaglescliffe, a new aircraft to serve across the North East and another new aircraft arriving soon in Cumbria. There are many exciting things happening that I can't wait to be a part of. The critical care team's dedication and drive, despite the harrowing things we see, really make it all worthwhile, and good times are definitely ahead at GNAAS.”

In 2007, Armatage was awarded the military cross while serving in the military as part of the 656 Army Air Corps.

“We had been deployed to Afghanistan where I was part of the Helmand Reaction Force deployed to fly an Apache as part of an ongoing operation. We found out two aircraft were running out of fuel and ammunition so we were deployed to replace it and just after arriving on scene we heard through the radio that a soldier was unaccounted for; they were missing in action.”

The former soldier recalls making a few suggestions on how the team could rescue the soldier and decided on using two helicopters with two royal marines strapped to the side of each aircraft.

Meanwhile, the newly-appointed CEO of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS), the UK air ambulance charity, has described his pride at joining the charity.

David Stockton brings decades of experience in the commercial sector to the Great North Air Ambulance Service. Prior to arriving at GNAAS, he ran his own businesses, focusing primarily on healthcare and retail in the Teesside and Tyneside areas. Recently, he also spent five years working at board level within a multi-billion pound company.

He comments: “Whether it's third sector, public sector or private sector, it's all about getting results through people, aligning our energy and focus, and working efficiently. I'm inspired by the work of the air ambulance, and through my interests in motorsport I know just how vital it is. In the short time I've been at GNAAS I've also been inspired by the talent and passion that already exists within the charity. I'm proud and honoured to be here.”

Stockton adds that his immediate focus was on helping the charity emerge out of the coronavirus crisis, which is believed to be costing the charity more than GBP 100,000 a month in lost donations.

“We are facing some short-term challenges, that is for sure,” he adds. “Fundraising has been significantly impacted by lockdown, and our attention has to be on ramping up our activities in the communities we serve as soon as we can safely do so. But beyond that we have an ambition to expand our amazing service so even more people can benefit. My job is about balancing these short-term challenges with our long-term goals.”

GNAAS chairman Brian Jobling states: “This was a hugely sought-after role, and after a very competitive recruitment process we were delighted to appoint David as chief executive. It's a challenging time for all charities; the effect of COVID has been stark on our finances. But David has just the right mix of skills, experience and strength of character to lead this organisation into a bold and bright future.”

Stockton takes over from the charity's founder Grahame Pickering MBE after the charity announced his departure last month, also due to health reasons.