The following is a statement from Mark Carne, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Cornwall Air Ambulance:

Paula Martin left the position of Chief Executive Officer at the end of February 2021 after 12 years of committed service to the charity. Under Paula’s tenure as CEO, the Trust has developed substantially.

As well as growing the operating headquarters at Newquay, there has been significant development of service levels and patient care –increasing to more than 1,050 missions in the last 12 months and raising more than £2.7m to help purchase our own helicopter. Paula played a key role in growing all areas of the Trust, including the significant retail and volunteering arms.

Paula Martin, former Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall Air Ambulance, said: “I am extremely grateful to every supporter in the community who has helped the Trust to grow and develop so it can save more lives. During the last 12 years, I’ve played a first-hand role in fundraising development for the charity and I’m committed to remaining an enthusiastic advocate for Cornwall Air Ambulance in the future.”

The Board of Trustees want to put on record their grateful thanks to Paula and to wish her well in her next endeavours. Steve Murdoch, Chief Operating Officer, has taken over the helm as interim Chief Executive Officer for the charity.