Long serving marine ambulance volunteer retires
4 November 2026
After 36 years of dedicated voluntary service Gary Ward is retiring from the crew of the Flying Christine
Gary started volunteering with the marine ambulance service in 1990 bringing extensive knowledge and skills from his professional work as a Master Mariner in the local marine industry. He originally served as crew member of Flying Christine II and was an active part of the fundraising for Flying Christine III in the early 1990s.
In recent years Gary has been the Volunteers Operations Manager, liaising between the crew and the ambulance service, coordinating training and overseeing the extensive 30 year refit of the Flying Christine III. Earlier this year Gary, along with Paul Phillips, sailed a car from Guernsey to Sark and Herm to raise vital funds for the ongoing maintenance of the vessel, in a repeat of challenge they undertook 34 years ago.
Gary’s dedication and service over the past 36 years has made a significant contribution to the care of the sick and injured, improved patient outcomes and on several occasions saved lives. Chief Ambulance Officer John Atkins praised Gary for his remarkable and commendable dedication: “Throughout the years your expert knowledge, experience and widsom, and your reputation among the local marine community, where you are held in such high regard, have proved invaluable to the St John Ambulance and Rescue Service”, he said.
Gary said: “I was inspired by watching Flying Christine II as a boy and it was an ambition to crew on it. Every bit of the past 36 years has been enjoyable. Flying Christine is one of the finest boats in the harbour. There are so many people volunteering, people putting in so many hours and the camaraderie has been very special.”
Gary was presented with a framed photo of the Flying Christine III from the Ambulance and Rescue Service and an engraved slate cheeseboard by the marine ambulance crew.
