In 2002, Paul Symonds joined the ambulance service with the dream of one day making it onto the crew of Cornwall Air Ambulance.

A decade later he fulfilled that dream, climbing on board the helicopter for the first time as part of a tight-knit team on their way to help someone in desperate need of help.

Thousands of life-saving missions later, Paul is hanging up his flight suit to pursue his medical career at a GP surgery, providing a specialist paramedic level of care to its patients.

Paul said: ’My whole reason for joining the ambulance service all those years ago was to one day make it onto the air ambulance. Since 2002 I have wanted to be here making a difference and helping people. Achieving that dream has been an unbelievable experience and one I’ll keep with me forever.’

Paul has been a regular face at air ambulance events and open days throughout the past five years, sharing his love of the charity with supporters.