Gill and Graeme Clark will receive Elizabeth Emblem on behalf of daughter Alice, 21, who passed away on 5 January 2022 and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty
The parents of a young paramedic who tragically lost her life in an ambulance crash at the age of 21 have described it as an “amazing honour” to see their daughter’s service recognised with an Elizabeth Emblem.
Gill and Graeme Clark, hailing from Kent, will accept the award on behalf of their late daughter Alice, who passed away on 5 January 2022.
The prestigious Elizabeth Emblem is bestowed by the King upon the next of kin of public servants who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
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Alice Clark was employed by the South East Coast Ambulance Service when she met her untimely end in a collision between the ambulance she was in and a cement lorry on the A21 near Sevenoaks, Kent.
The ambulance driver pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, and a coroner found that the ambulance service had neglected to adequately investigate complaints about the driver prior to the fatal incident.
The emblem serves as the civilian counterpart to the Elizabeth Cross, which pays tribute to members of the UK Armed Forces who have fallen in action or due to a terrorist attack.
Mr and Mrs Clark joined the families of other emblem recipients in meeting Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, at Number 10 on Wednesday.
Following the meeting, the Clarks shared with the Press Association that their daughter had been carrying out her usual “blue light” shift, responding to emergency callouts, when she tragically lost her life.
Mrs Clark recalled the devastating moment they learned of their daughter’s fate: “There was a knock on the door to say that she had been killed.
“She was doing the job we knew she wanted to do. She was originally looking to be a doctor… But decided she wanted to be on the front line,” Mr Clark revealed. She loved her job, loved life and loved helping people.”
Throughout the pandemic, Ms Clark dedicated herself to caring roles and completed a work placement with the London Ambulance Service. Her mother painted a picture of a vibrant personality with a sharp wit.
She recalled: “She was so dedicated. She was funny, adventurous, brave. She liked to travel, even on her own. As soon as you could fly again (after the pandemic), she was off.
“We’ve gone through so much to get here, with the court case, coroner’s court. Dealing with all the horrible stuff on top of losing Alice. To have this, and to have her recognised. It’s an amazing honour for her,” Mr Clark continued.
Mr and Mrs Clark are set to receive a silver, oval emblem bearing the inscription, “For a life given in service”, encircled by a rosemary wreath – symbolising remembrance – and featuring a Tudor crown.
Ms Clark’s name will be engraved on the reverse side of the emblem.
The Clarks were accompanied by relatives of lollipop lady Stephanie Davies, who lost her life in September 2006 whilst on duty outside a Salford primary school when a bus veered onto the pavement and struck her.
Mr Jones also held a meeting with the family of Jonathan White, who tragically died on Christmas Day 1986 at the age of 28, following severe injuries sustained whilst putting up festive decorations. Mr White, an employee of Blackpool Borough Council, tragically fell 30ft from a platform while setting up a display, landing directly onto the road below.
An inquest determined his death to be accidental, and the council has accepted responsibility.
