Creating
life-enhancing
holiday
experiences.

In 1999 I joined the Ambulance & Rescue Service and Pam needed additional helpers for Jumbulance Holidays, so I went along and enjoyed it so much I’ve kept going! The holiday in 2026 was my fourteenth trip.

I am the Head of Operations for the Ambulance & Rescue Service in Guernsey, much of this involves planning and logistics, so arranging the holidays for Jumbulance is like an extension of my day-to-day job. Prior to this, I worked in various management roles with the service and operationally as a Paramedic. I joined St John when I was 8 years old, so caring and volunteering is something that I have always done.

A Jumbulance Holiday allows us to arrange something special and make memories for deserving people who deserve a break from their usual routine. Seeing a group of VIPs first come together at our ‘meet and greet’ hardly knowing each other and then during our week away we become friends and share lots of experiences together and mainly have fun! It is a privilege to be able to work with such a great team of volunteers and we all work together to ensure all our VIPs have a special, memorable holiday. I try to ensure that each trip will have lots of variety to cater for everyone. And whilst we are away, if it is all a bit too much and a VIP needs a rest day, that isn’t a problem we can accommodate that too.

We are always looking for new people to take on holiday who fit our criteria, if you cannot get away without additional support needs then get in touch. We have been able to take hundreds of people on holiday over the years, many of which thought they would never have the chance to go on holiday again, we are there to help make that possible.

I have a background in community nursing since 1987, although I have now retired from full time work, I still work part time in the community as a nurse.

What I most enjoy from a Jumbulance Holiday is seeing the joy that everyone gets from the trip and experiencing all the new adventures alongside our VIPs . Tailoring the holiday when we can to individuals interests or wishes to make their dreams come true. Also, I am conscious that we are allowing the full-time carers at home to take a well-earned break for themselves.

I carry out a full assessment of all the nursing and care needs of our VIPs prior to the holiday, to ensure they are all catered for whilst we are away. I will also match the VIP with a suitable carer or nurse who will be with them providing one to one assistance whilst we are away. Any equipment required I will also provide if a VIP cannot bring their own. People are always surprised how much care we can provide whilst away on one of our holidays.

Even though I am a nurse, my current role takes me away from hands on care. Coming on a Jumbulance holiday takes me right back to why i became a nurse and gives me quality time to do what I love alongside our VIPs. It is so rewarding as we start off as strangers, but leave as friends with so many happy memories.

I have worked part time as a Health Care Assistant with the Community Nursing twilight team for the last 34 years and recently retired.

It gives me great joy to be part of the team that takes people on holiday, many of our VIPs haven’t been away from Guernsey for a holiday in many years.

We endeavour to provide the same care on holiday as a VIP would receive at home, also enabling the carer at hole to enjoy a rest too.

Many of the individuals we support have significant limitations and require full assistance. As volunteers, we are committed to providing compassionate, person-centred care, ensuring that everyone is treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and kindness at all times. The ethos of Jumbulance is rooted in inclusivity and creating a supportive, family-like environment, where every individual feels valued and empowered to enjoy their holiday experience fully.

Professionally, I am a Registered Nurse with experience across acute and critical care settings. I currently work within the Adult Health Learning Disability Services, supporting individuals with complex needs. This background enables me to contribute both clinical expertise and a holistic, compassionate approach to care during Jumbulance holidays.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is witnessing the positive impact these trips have on our VIPs. The opportunity to visit new places, participate in enjoyable activities, and socialise in a supportive environment often leads to noticeable improvements in mood, confidence, and overall well-being of a VIP. It is immensely fulfilling to see individuals feel uplifted, relaxed, and genuinely happy.

In addition to the meaningful work, Jumbulance Holidays also fosters a strong sense of community among volunteers and participants alike. Being part of such a dedicated and caring team creates a genuine sense of belonging, which is particularly valuable as my own family lives some distance away.

For prospective VIPs and their families, I can confidently say that a Jumbulance holiday offers not only a safe and well-supported experience, but also an opportunity to create lasting memories. Our teams are composed of experienced and compassionate professionals who prioritise safety, dignity, and enjoyment, ensuring that every individual can relax and fully benefit from their time away.

Jumbulance Holidays represent far more than a trip—they are a valuable and enriching experience that promotes inclusion, joy, and quality of life.

I don’t have a care background, but I am happy to help with anything and anyone. I am good at pushing wheelchairs and sorting the equipment. I also have become known as the Jumbulance Mr fix it!

I most enjoy seeing our VIPs getting out and about and having new experiences with our help. I once took a VIP on a zip wire for their first time!

I started volunteering with the charity in 2026 and really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to next year. I also intend on helping with the fund raising events during the year.

The advice I would give to someone thinking of coming on a holiday as a VIP is to give it a go, you’re sure to enjoy it, and we will look after you very well .

I am a premises manager with a leading independent offshore bank.

When I was 8 I joined the St John Ambulance Cadets and I volunteered with St John until I had my daughter. I have always enjoyed volunteering, I now volunteer with the Guernsey Voluntary Service driving their minibus and for meals-on-wheels.

Volunteering for Guernsey Jumbulance, I love how we are able to take people on holiday who would not normally be able to go due to their additional care needs or just by being their holiday buddy as their partner has passed-away and they thought they would never leave the island again.

The advice I would you give someone thinking about coming on a Jumbulance holiday is it’s a huge step for someone who hasn’t travelled from sometime, or who feels their needs won’t be met, however if you meet our criteria then the Jumbulance Team will be there for you. Even if you can’t walk very far the team will be there to assist you and ensure you have an enjoyable holiday. I like to think I am a holiday buddy not a carer!