Meet the team
Departments
Philanthropy Forum Team Members
Barbara Sharples
Barbara had served as a trustee since 2017 and was Chair of the New Heli appeal board which raised a staggering £2.9 million towards the cost of its latest AW169 life saving helicopter. Barbara was also a founder and member of the London committee, engaging supporters outside of the county with connections to Cornwall. She also founded the ambassador programme, introducing celebrity ambassadors Richard & Judy alongside other high profile ambassadors who have helped to gain additional exposure and awareness of Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. Barbara has been appointed as Vice President for the charity, alongside her role on the charity’s Philanthropy Forum, which she founded and which comprises high profile fundraisers who generate around £400,000 each year for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.
Dr Karen J Dickens
Despite spending the last 40 years living and travelling to different places around the UK and internationally, Cornwall is and will always be, home. My parents, family and close friends still live in Cornwall and it’s definitely where my heart is – there is nowhere as special and I’m honoured to have been asked to be an Ambassador for the Cornwall Air Ambulance.
Having grown up in Cornwall, I know that there are also challenges, none more important than the long distances to hospitals, the difficult roads and traffic congestion. That’s why the Cornwall Air Ambulance is so important. My mum was airlifted to Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro and it was a big relief to my dad and myself to know that she was in such good hands – they not only make a difference to patients but to families too.
I’ve got to know the whole Cornwall Air Ambulance team and I’m in awe of the paramedics, the pilots and the teams who support them. I was delighted to be able to raise over £95,000 to buy the pilot’s seat in the new heli last year with help from my company, Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean and favourite partners, including Clarendon Fine Art, Maranello Ferrari, Bollinger, Rick Stein, Sheree Valentine Daines and Stephanie Millward MBE.
Comitti Boats UK & Caribbean have also just sponsored the new pilots’ uniforms and I’m committed to supporting Cornwall Air Ambulance, both through personal donations as well as leveraging my partners and teams to deliver exciting fundraising initiatives, including The Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge in 2020.
Together we can keep the Cornwall Air Ambulance flying – saving lives and keeping families together.
Jackie Stanley D.L.
Jackie is a successful and well-known businesswoman within Cornwall. Jackie has personally contributed to the appeal and was the inspiration behind the charities first London Gala Dinner, which took place in January. This wonderful event raised £130,000 and showcased the charity to our London supporter base who were joined by Cornwall donors for this spectacular evening. Jackie continues to support the charity as a member of the Philanthropy Forum.
Jackie has now been made an ambassador for the charity in acknowledgement of her support for Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust.
Jonathan McCulloch
Jonathan is an Ambassador for Cornwall Air Ambulance and works for Cornwall Council. He is also a volunteer fundraiser for several Cornish charities and organisations; having raised over £200,000 in total. Jonathan has been a keen advocate for the Cornwall Air Ambulance for many years and as a Board Member of the New Heli Appeal helped raise nearly £100,000 towards the AW169. Jonathan is also Chairman of St Allen Parish Council and a Justice of the Peace. Jonathan was chair of the Philanthropy Forum during 2021/2022. He was appointed as an Ambassador for the charity in July 2023.
Henry Orchard
Henry describes himself as a Cornishman who has spent his life dedicated to his family, family business and giving back to the local community, charities and individuals.
Karen Hurn
Karen joined the team in November 2019 to develop major donor relationships.
Since joining the charity Karen has worked closely with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Philanthropy Forum who volunteer and work tirelessly to raise money for CAAT. In May 2022 Karen took on the role of chair of the forum. Following a successful career in senior corporate banking, working with significant businesses and high net worth individuals has given Karen a wealth of experience, skills and an extensive network.
She was inspired to transform her hobby of charity fundraising into a new career and has already gained her Chartered Institute of Fundraising Diploma. Prior to her career change, Karen had personally raised over £350,000 for many local and national good causes. Proud of her Cornish roots, Karen is motivated by the compassion and community spirit shown by people in Cornwall and beyond and is an active member of St Austell & District Soroptimist.
She is thrilled to be working for this worthwhile, lifesaving charity, alongside the rest of the incredible Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust team.