In April we welcomed Kylie Palmer to our team as a corporate relationship manager for Cumbria.

In this role, Kylie is responsible for building and managing meaningful partnerships with businesses across the region, helping to generate vital income and raise awareness of our work.

We caught up with her to find out more about her role and her previous career before joining the team.

Could you please explain what jobs you had prior to joining our charity?

My career has always centred around building relationships, both within and outside of the charity sector. Before joining the charity, I worked within the NHS as well as in corporate relationship and business development roles. I’ve always enjoyed working with organisations and helping to create meaningful partnerships and I love seeing the positive impact that can come from bringing people together around a shared purpose.

Why did you apply for a job here?

Like many people across our region, I was aware of the incredible work the Great North Air Ambulance Service does. Seeing the helicopter flying overhead and knowing that help is on its way provides a real sense of hope and reassurance. Living in a rural county like Cumbria has many advantages, but it can also bring unique challenges when a medical emergency happens. During my previous roles, I was fortunate enough to support the charity and learn more about the vital service they provide. The more I learned, the more I realised just how important their work is to people across our community. So when the opportunity came to join a charity that genuinely saves lives, it was something I couldn’t ignore. Knowing that the critical care our charity provides can be the difference between a family getting more time with someone they love or facing a very different future makes me incredibly proud and privileged to play even a small part in supporting its life-saving work.

How did it feel when you were told you got the job?

I was absolutely delighted!  The team here are incredible, they are so supportive and I was super excited to join them. It’s not often you get the opportunity to combine your professional skills with a cause you genuinely believe in, so it felt very special.

Could you talk me through a typical day in your role?

No two days are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I love most about my role. One morning I might be meeting with a local business to explore a new partnership and by the afternoon I could be attending a fundraising event or helping supporters maximise the impact of their fundraising efforts.

Airbase visits are always a highlight. Seeing the helicopters and rapid response vehicles up close and hearing first-hand from the operational team about the difference they make, is incredibly inspiring.

Many people are surprised to learn that we aren’t just a helicopter service. Our critical care teams also respond in rapid response vehicles and can deliver advanced interventions at the scene of an incident, bringing hospital-level care directly to patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Seeing that expertise, dedication and commitment firsthand is a powerful reminder of why every donation and every supporter matters.

Have there been any highlights or stand-out moments during your time here?

There have been so many memorable moments since I joined. Every day, I’m blown away by the generosity of our supporters and the difference their contributions make.

If I had to choose one stand-out moment, it would be meeting and hearing from patients and families whose lives have been impacted by our charity. Listening to their stories really brings home the importance of what we do.

Seeing someone living life to the full after an illness or traumatic incident that may have had a very different outcome without the support of our air ambulance service is incredibly moving. It reminds me exactly why every fundraiser, volunteer, donor and supporter plays such an important role in helping us save lives.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Anyone who knows me will tell you that my family and friends mean everything to me, and they certainly keep me busy!

I have three children and, this year, I was also blessed with a beautiful granddaughter. Spending time with family and friends is my happy place. We love camping trips, festivals, concerts and of course, a holiday or two whenever we can. That said, I’m equally happy at home and love nothing more than a cosy night in with a good film or drama series.