Mercury Theatre Carol Concert raises funds for lifesaving ambulance and air ambulance services

Steve Mannix, CEO of the Mercury Theatre, chose the East of England Ambulance Service Charity and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance to benefit from the event as a heartfelt thank you for their role in his emergency care when he suffered acute heart failure in March.

The crews who came to Steve’s aid attended the concert on Thursday 18 December and were invited on stage after the performance – a special moment to celebrate their lifesaving work.

Steve had been leaving his Colchester home for a routine dentist appointment when he experienced severe breathlessness and chest tightness.

Realising something was wrong, he reversed back onto his driveway and dialled 999. From that point, Steve remembers very little.

Call handler Verity Forster immediately recognised the urgency, and dispatcher Darrelle Jones assigned the nearest available crew under a Category 1 classification – indicating a potentially life-threatening emergency.

Within seven minutes, the first ambulance crew – Paramedic Ellen Withers and Emergency Care Assistant Wayne David – arrived, followed by a second crew (Paramedic Louise Brazier, Alice Watson-Hall) and Steve Young, the leading operations manager on shift.

The Critical Care Desk also deployed the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance team, including Dr James Scott and Critical Care Paramedic Robert Moon, to provide advanced treatment. Steve was stabilised but continued to experience a dangerously rapid heart rate, requiring urgent transfer to Colchester General Hospital.

At hospital, Steve was diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition he had never known about – discovered at the age of 60. Thanks to swift intervention, he returned to his busy life at the theatre, supported by a new diet and exercise regime. The concert was his way of giving something back.

Steve Mannix said:

“Without the support of the East of England Ambulance and Essex & Herts Air Ambulance crews, I simply wouldn’t be here. It sounds corny, but they saved my life. Their dedication day in, day out, just astounds me. I really can’t thank them enough.”

Kate Lott, Head of the East of England Ambulance Service Charity, said:

“This carol concert was extra special, and we’re so grateful to Steve for choosing us.

“Meeting patients whose lives have been saved is always a cherished moment for our crews – and combining that with an event that raises funds to support staff, volunteers, patients, and the wider community made it even more meaningful.”

Mark Jarman-Howe, CEO of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance, said:

“We’re so grateful to Steve for choosing to support Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to be there for those who need us.

“As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our community, and Steve’s decision to fundraise was a wonderful gesture. It was a memorable event, and we were delighted to be part of it.”