Obituary: Sir Peter Baldwin, 1922 - 2010

Share this story with your favourite social / bookmarking site.

Staff at Kent Air Ambulance have paid tribute to a pioneer of the life-saving helicopter who passed away earlier this month.

 

As chairman of South East Thames Regional Health Authority, Sir Peter Baldwin signed an historic agreement with McAlpine Helicopters chairman Kenneth McAlpine on November 6, 1989.

 

It saw the then South East Thames Air Ambulance take flight for the first time on December 21 that year at its Rochester Airport base.

 

But as the charity celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year, the milestone has been marred by the sad loss of one of its founders.

 

Sir Peter died on May 9 at the age of 87 after a long illness and his funeral was held at St. Philip’s Church in Burwash Weald yesterday (May 25).

 

Chief Executive, John Tickner said: “Kent Air Ambulance has over the last twenty years evolved into the first class service that we have today and is a fitting tribute to the hard work and determination of Sir Peter’.

 

Clinical Manager, Rob Wilkinson said: “Sir Peter was really the instigator of the air ambulance back in 1989. Without his continued efforts, we would not have the exceptional service we have today.”

 

Sir Peter was born on November 10, 1922, and educated at the City of London School and Corpus Christi College.

 

He had a long and distinguished career in the Civil Service which started at the Foreign Office (1941-1945).

 

He then held senior posts within the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury and was Principal Private Secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1966-1967) and Permanent Secretary in the Department of Transport (1976-1982).

 

When appointed as chairman of the South East Thames Regional Health Authority in 1983 he foresaw the need to improve the prospect of patient recovery by providing an air ambulance.  

 

In 1987 he ordered detailed research into the feasibility of such a service which became known as Sir Peter's helicopter project.

 

He publicly launched the South East Thames Air Ambulance Appeal with former chief executive Kate Chivers on April 10, 1990.

 

She said: “Sir Peter will be remembered by many for his compassion and humanity, his good humour, gentle, kindly nature and his courtly manners.

 

“He will also be remembered for his guidance and wise counsel, his humility and unfailing sense of duty and honour; his absolute dedication to charitable causes and his devotion to our country.”

 

If you would like to make a donation to the Air Ambulance please call 01622 833833. Alternatively cheques can be made payable to Kent Air Ambulance Trust and posted to Wheelbarrow Park Estate, Pattenden Lane, Marden, Kent, TN12 9QJ