The parents of a young paramedic who tragically lost her life in an ambulance collision at the age of 21 have expressed their gratitude for the recognition of their daughter’s service with an Elizabeth Emblem. Gill and Graeme Clark, residents of Kent, will receive the award on behalf of their late daughter Alice, who passed away on 5 January 2022.
Alice Clark, an employee of the South East Coast Ambulance Service, met her untimely demise in a crash involving the ambulance she was in and a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks. The ambulance driver admitted guilt to causing death by dangerous driving, and an investigation revealed that the ambulance service had failed to address complaints about the driver before the fatal accident.
The Elizabeth Emblem, a prestigious honor bestowed by the King, is given to the next of kin of public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duties. It serves as a civilian equivalent to the Elizabeth Cross, which commemorates members of the UK Armed Forces who have fallen in action or due to a terrorist incident.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark, along with other emblem recipients’ families, met Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, at Number 10 Downing Street. Reflecting on their daughter’s dedication, the Clarks recounted Alice’s commitment to her “blue light” shifts, responding to emergency calls before her tragic death.
Describing Alice as a vibrant and dedicated individual with a love for helping others, her parents highlighted her adventurous spirit and passion for her work. Despite the challenges they faced through legal proceedings and investigations following Alice’s passing, the Clarks expressed their deep appreciation for the honor bestowed upon their daughter.
The Clarks are set to receive a silver oval emblem inscribed with “For a life given in service,” encircled by a rosemary wreath symbolizing remembrance and featuring a Tudor crown, with Alice Clark’s name engraved on the reverse side. In a show of solidarity, they were accompanied by relatives of Stephanie Davies, a lollipop lady who lost her life in a tragic accident while on duty.
The meeting also included discussions with the family of Jonathan White, who tragically passed away in a workplace incident during the Christmas season in 1986. An inquest into his death concluded it was accidental, with the council accepting responsibility for the circumstances leading to the tragedy.