Norfolk sisters unite to save lives as volunteer responders for ambulance service
Date: 5 June 2025Three sisters from Fakenham are making a life-saving difference to their community as volunteers for the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST).
Hayley Penney, 38, Christina Sayce, 37, and Claire Armiger, 35, are all volunteer Community First Responders (CFRs) in the Fakenham CFR group, responding to medical emergencies and providing vital care and support to patients before ambulance crews arrive.
Hayley was the first to join EEAST as a volunteer CFR in April 2024, having worked in the NHS for 18 years and always wanting to help people. Claire then became a CFR in June 2024, initially in Holt before moving to join Hayley in the Fakenham group. They were joined by sister Christina in October.
All three sisters continue to work while also volunteering as CFRs. Hayley is an NHS business support manager; Christina is a support worker for adults with disabilities and dementia; and Claire is a teaching assistant for children with disabilities.
Hayley said: "Volunteering as a CFR is incredibly rewarding – I've learnt so much from the experience. Being able to give my time, care, and reassurance during someone’s most vulnerable moments is a powerful feeling, and I'm proud to make a difference close to home."
Christina said: "I never knew about being a community first responder until Hayley started. I decided to become a CFR as I wanted to gain more knowledge and skills. I am enjoying my journey so far and would like to see where I can go with more training. I feel proud to be part of a wonderful team to help the community."
Claire said: "I joined EEAST as a volunteer CFR because I wanted to give something back to the NHS and my community, while gaining the priceless skills and knowledge for my family. I had recently witnessed someone close to me in a serious medical emergency. This left me feeling unprepared to deal with the situation, so I decided to join my sisters Hayley and Christina as a CFR."
The trio's dedication highlights the vital role CFRs play in rural communities like Fakenham, where early help and support for patients can be life-saving.
Photo caption: Christina Sayce (left), Claire Armiger (top right) and Hayley Penney (bottom right) are all volunteer community first responders for EEAST.
