BASICS Devon appointed DCAA's charity of the year
The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) is delighted to announce that BASICS Devon has been appointed as its Charity of the Year.
BASICS Devon are specialist volunteers delivering emergency pre-hospital care and vital life-saving education. They support communities across Devon with advanced medical treatment around the clock before patients reach hospital
Comprised of highly trained volunteer medics, BASICS Devon responds to some of the most serious medical emergencies supporting the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. From road traffic collisions on rural lanes to cardiac arrests in remote villages, the charity’s clinicians bring immediate care directly to the scene — often arriving before an ambulance. This year so far, the team has responded swiftly to 361 emergencies — 120 of them at night — arriving first on scene in 40% of incidents
Each year, the Devon County Agricultural Association selects one charity to support for a full year. Out of several bids received, the final decision is made by the President Elect. This year, John Lee OBE FRAgS cast the deciding vote.
John commented on the appointment: “BASICS Devon is doing such incredible work across the County of Devon, helping save lives, in particular, in rural communities. I am delighted their outstanding work has just been recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, a fitting tribute to their commitment and dedication, and an accolade also bestowed upon the Devon County Agricultural Association with The Queen’s Award back in 2018. We’re looking forward to a truly productive partnership in 2026.”
As part of the support programme, BASICS Devon will receive a complimentary stand at the annual Devon County Show which takes place in 2026 at Westpoint, Exeter from 21-23 May. They will be the sole charity eligible for donations throughout the event.
Amie Bull, Fundraising Manager at Basics Devon expressed her delight at the appointment, commenting: “We are honoured to be named the Association’s Charity of the Year. It’s an event we’ve always hoped to be part of, and our voluntary committee is already planning exciting ways for visitors to meet our amazing volunteers, explore our emergency response vehicle, and learn vital life-saving skills. We can’t thank the Devon County Show enough and are greatly looking forward to the year ahead.”
To find out more about Devon County Show 2026 and to book tickets, visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk
For further information about BASICS Devon, visit www.basics-devon.org.uk
