The parents of a young paramedic who tragically died in an ambulance accident at the age of 21 have expressed their deep appreciation for their daughter’s service being acknowledged with an Elizabeth Emblem.
Gill and Graeme Clark, residing in Kent, will receive the honor on behalf of their late daughter Alice, who passed away on January 5, 2022.
The prestigious Elizabeth Emblem is granted by the King to the family members of public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice while on duty.
Alice Clark, an employee of the South East Coast Ambulance Service, lost her life in a collision between the ambulance she was in and a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent.
The ambulance driver admitted guilt to causing death by dangerous driving, and an inquiry revealed that the ambulance service had failed to properly investigate complaints about the driver before the tragic incident.
The emblem is a civilian equivalent to the Elizabeth Cross, which honors fallen members of the UK Armed Forces due to actions or terrorist attacks.
The Clarks, along with other emblem recipients’ families, met with Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, at Number 10 Downing Street.
Following the meeting, the Clarks shared with the media that their daughter was on a routine emergency response shift when the accident occurred.
Mrs. Clark recalled the heartbreaking moment they received the news of their daughter’s death, mentioning Alice’s passion for her job and dedication to helping others.
Throughout the pandemic, Alice Clark devoted herself to caring roles and completed a work placement with the London Ambulance Service. Her mother described her as a vibrant individual with a sharp sense of humor.
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. Alice’s name will be engraved on the reverse side.
The Clarks were accompanied by relatives of Stephanie Davies, a lollipop lady who died in 2006, and the family of Jonathan White, who passed away in 1986 due to injuries from a Christmas decorations accident.
The council accepted responsibility for White’s death, deemed accidental by an inquest.
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