The parents of a young paramedic who died in a tragic crash while on duty have spoken of their pride after the King honoured her memory with a prestigious national award.
A Life Given in Service
Gill and Graeme Clark from Kent will accept the Elizabeth Emblem on behalf of their daughter, Alice Clark, who was just 21 years old when she lost her life. Alice died on 5 January 2022 following a collision between the ambulance she was in and a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent.
The Elizabeth Emblem is a civilian award conferred by the sovereign, recognising public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is the civilian counterpart to the military's Elizabeth Cross.
A Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
Alice was employed by the South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) and was responding to an emergency call on her regular 'blue light' shift when the fatal crash occurred. Her parents described the devastating moment they were informed.
"There was a knock on the door to say that she had been killed," Mrs Clark recalled. The subsequent investigation and legal proceedings revealed that the ambulance driver pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Furthermore, a coroner found that the ambulance service had failed to properly investigate prior complaints about the driver involved in the incident.
Remembering a Dedicated and Vibrant Young Woman
Alice's family painted a picture of a dedicated, adventurous, and funny individual who was passionate about helping others. "She was doing the job we knew she wanted to do," said Mr Clark. "She loved her job, loved life and loved helping people."
Originally aspiring to be a doctor, Alice chose to work on the front line as a paramedic. She had worked in care roles throughout the pandemic and completed a placement with the London Ambulance Service.
"She was so dedicated. She was funny, adventurous, brave," her mother added. "We've gone through so much to get here... To have this, and to have her recognised. It's an amazing honour for her."
The emblem they will receive is a silver oval, inscribed with "For a life given in service", surrounded by a rosemary wreath for remembrance and featuring a Tudor crown. Alice's name will be engraved on the reverse.
A Ceremony of Recognition
Mr and Mrs Clark met with Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday alongside families of other recipients. The gathering included the relatives of lollipop lady Stephanie Davies, who died in 2006, and the family of council worker Jonathan White, who died in a fall in 1986.
For the Clarks, the award represents a poignant moment of national recognition following years of grief and legal battles, finally honouring their daughter's profound commitment to public service.
