Retail Volunteer Story – Andy

Andy Beckett is the longest-serving retail volunteer at Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC). We sat down with him to learn more about why he chooses to volunteer at our Westbury-on-Trym shop in Bristol.

A life-changing experience for Andy

Andy recalls the moment he witnessed GWAAC’s lifesaving work firsthand: “I feel very passionate about the charity, having seen what they do when my son’s mother was taken poorly.”

During that critical moment, GWAAC’s specialist crew provided urgent medical care. “The paramedics and GWAAC were there. She’d had a heart attack. We didn’t actually see her, but they explained to us what they were doing to save her life, and she was taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, she passed away five or six days later,” he reflects.

The experience left a lasting impact on Andy: “It really made me realise how important this service is. You never know when you or someone you love might need them.”

Transitioning to retail volunteering

With a background in public service and a strong commitment to his community, Andy decided to turn his experience into something positive. “I knew I was going to be made redundant, and I was thinking what am I going to do? I need to do something. I’m not going to stay at home and vegetate. I looked up and there was thing blue and green helicopter, and the rest is history,” he recalls.

After reaching out to GWAAC, he quickly became involved as a retail volunteer in GWAAC’s first shop in Westbury-on-Trym.

“It makes you proud to come in… It looks nice, and customers give compliments,” he says. The positive difference Andy has made has not only enhanced the shopping experience for customers but also strengthened the sense of community—both among volunteers and residents in the local area.

When asked about the most rewarding aspects of his role, Andy shared that seeing the direct impact of his work is incredibly fulfilling. He enjoys engaging with customers, spreading awareness of GWAAC’s mission, and helping to support our lifesaving work.

More shops, more volunteering opportunities

Since speaking to Andy in autumn 2024, GWAAC has opened another two more shops—Brockworth in Gloucestershire and Whiteladies Road in Bristol. The charity’s retail network continues to grow, with a twelfth shop set to open on Portishead High Street on Tuesday 8 April 2025.

With more shops than ever, there are a growing number of opportunities to support Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s shops. Just like Andy, you can make a real difference through volunteering in one of our twelve (and counting) shops. Whether you have a few hours to spare each week, or want to develop new skills, your time and support will help save local lives across our region.

To find out more, visit our retail volunteer page or email your Retail Volunteering Officer at katie.goolden@gwaac.com.