HE WILL be taking the reins of a crucial charity that has saved hundreds of lives.

Richard Corbett is set to become chief executive of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance on September 1.

Sherie Williams Ellen, who filled the role for an interim period, will resume her duties as deputy CEO.

“I have watched and admired the life-saving role of Air Ambulance charities for many years, in particular during the Coronavirus pandemic," said Mr Corbett.

"It is, therefore, a real honour to be asked to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. I am looking forward to working with the team and engaging with the community that support us so well.”

An experienced leader in the charity sector, Mr Corbett has specialised in humanitarian aid, for eight years at Oxfam GB and recently at Care International UK. #

He was Humanitarian Lead in both organisations maintaining oversight of emergency responses around the world in countries such as Yemen, Syria and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Mr Corbett also spent several years working overseas for Medical Emergency Relief International (MERLIN) in Afghanistan, DRC, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

He will be honing his diverse and well-developed skills to steer this life-saving charity through a pivotal time in its history, following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beginning his career with a short spell in the army, Mr Corbett became operations director at a not-for-profit year out organisation for school-leavers.

He then went on to hold two chief executive positions at UK focused charities: Healthwatch Bucks, where he worked closely with hospitals and Clinical Commissioning Groups to ensure patients’ views were part of decision making; And Reading Voluntary Action, where he oversaw a volunteer centre, while also providing advice and support to local charities and community groups.