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The parents of a newly qualified paramedic who died in an ambulance crash aged 21 have described it as an “amazing honour” to receive an Elizabeth Emblem in recognition of her service.
Gill and Graeme Clark will receive the award on behalf of their daughter Alice, who died on January 5, 2022, while working for South East Coast Ambulance Service. The Elizabeth Emblem is awarded by the King to the next of kin of public servants who died in the line of duty.
Ms Clark was killed when the ambulance she was travelling in crashed into a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent, while responding to emergency callouts on a “blue light” shift. The paramedic driving the ambulance later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and a coroner ruled the ambulance service had failed to properly investigate previous complaints about the driver.
Alongside families of other recipients, Mr and Mrs Clark met Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones at Number 10 this week ahead of the latest list of awards being published.
Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Clark said her daughter had been doing the job she loved when she lost her life. “There was a knock on the door to say that she had been killed,” she said. “She was doing the job we knew she wanted to do.”
Mr Clark said Alice had initially considered becoming a doctor before choosing a career on the frontline. “She loved her job, loved life and loved helping people,” he said.
During the Covid pandemic, Ms Clark worked as a carer and completed a placement with the London Ambulance Service. Her mother described her as outgoing, adventurous and dedicated, with a “wicked sense of humour”.
The Elizabeth Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which honours members of the armed forces who died in action or as a result of terrorism. The silver, oval emblem bears the inscription “For a life given in service”, surrounded by a rosemary wreath and a Tudor crown, with the recipient’s name engraved on the reverse.
Mr and Mrs Clark said the recognition followed a long and difficult journey through the courts and coroner’s inquest. “To have this, and to have her recognised… it’s an amazing honour for her,” Mr Clark said.
They are among 53 recipients to be named this month, in the third list published since the Elizabeth Emblem was established in March 2024.
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