Ann Ralli began the Ceri Thomas appeal following the tragic loss of her son when he was knocked from his bicycle near Sidmouth in 1986.  

When Ann asked doctors what could have saved her son, she was told that the quicker a patient receives treatment, the better their chance of survival. This stayed with Ann, and she launched the 'Ceri Thomas Appeal' to raise funds to get an Air Ambulance for Devon.

Six years later, after holding countless fundraisers, liaising with many council, health, and aviation officials, and gaining the vital support of those in her local community and across Devon, Devon Air Ambulance (DAA) was launched in 1992.  

Over the past three decades Ann has continued to play a vital role as an ambassador for the charity and to thank her for her determination, commitment and incredible support, the charity has recently announced that she is to be awarded the title of Life President of Devon Air Ambulance.

Heléna Holt, Chief Executive Officer at Devon Air Ambulance said:

Ann has been and continues to be the most inspiring person I have met. She achieved remarkable things in getting Devon Air Ambulance off the ground for all of us. As well as the huge task of raising the funds to launch the charity, she faced significant challenges and even opposition from some of the powers that be at the time. The fact that she succeeded is testament to her grit and determination and I cannot imagine a better role model for this position than Ann.

The Life President holds a prestigious and symbolic role serving as a prominent ambassador and advocate, embodying the charity's values and mission. Although now living in the USA, Ann’s involvement still centres around representing the charity at public events, supporting fundraising efforts, and promoting the charity's work to inspire and engage with local communities. She most recently delivered a heartwarming message of thanks to the charity’s dedicated volunteers who were attending a special Away Day which they found incredibly motivational.

In a statement about being named Life President, Ann Ralli, Founder of Devon Air Ambulance said:

The Devon Air Ambulance family is my passion. I started this charity so that other families did not have to lose their loved ones, like we did. I have been with it, every step of the way, from those dramatic and turbulent beginnings to the present day - meeting, talking to, and working with our growing Air Ambulance team.  

'I could not have achieved this without the people of Devon, who listened to Ceri’s story and understood that having an air ambulance in Devon was extremely worthwhile and very much needed. They backed me to the hilt and made it all possible. I am so proud to be receiving this recognition and I know that Ceri would be proud too that because of him, the whole county, and our air ambulance team, he has made a difference, just like he always wanted too.'

The position will be held for life, signifying Ann's continued dedication to our values, vision, and mission - to transform time critical care through prevention, treatment, and recovery. Devon Air Ambulance are delighted to recognise her hard work and continued support with this title. 

As our Life President, Ann will continue to make a lasting impact on the charity's efforts, cementing what is already an incredible legacy. This new and exciting role provides her an opportunity to inspire positive change and contribute to the community's well-being through the charity's initiatives.  

A statement from our Life-time President

'The Devon Air Ambulance family is my passion. I started it so that other families did not have to lose their loved ones as we did.

'The charity started with just one person – me, and has flourished to now – 31 years later, an incredible awe-inspiring team of admirable and amazing people who have been officially rated as outstanding by the Care Quality Commission Inspection.

'We are so proud to be working to saves lives together. I have been with it, every step of the way, from those dramatic and turbulent beginnings to the present day, meeting, talking, and working with our growing Air Ambulance team.  

I could not have achieved this without the people of Devon, who listened to Ceri’s story, could see that having an air ambulance in Devon was extremely worthwhile and very much needed, and backed me to the hilt and made it all possible. Without them, whatever dreams I had and whatever endeavours and trials and tribulations I went through, it would not have happened without the people of Devon taking Ceri’s cause to their hearts, spending hours and hours raising money, month after month, and year after year, in their communities. They provided the groundswell of funds to pay for our air ambulance service, and they continue to do so today.  

'I know that Ceri would be thrilled and proud that because of him, the whole county, our lovely Devon, and its people, and our Air Ambulance team, all came together as a united team and that, in the end, he did make a difference – what he always wanted. Because of that thousands of lives have been saved.'

Discover more about the history of the charity.