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On this day, 26 July, the Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) pauses to honour and remember the lives of Graham Budden, Mark Darby, and Tony Richardson, who tragically lost their lives in 1998 while serving the community through the charity’s emergency service.
The three men were killed in the line of duty 27 years ago when the helicopter they were aboard crashed during a mission. The accident marked one of the darkest days in the charity’s history and continues to be deeply felt by colleagues, family, and the wider community.
In a heartfelt post shared this morning, the charity wrote:
“Today, and every day, we remember the inspiring dedication of Graham Budden, Mark Darby and Tony Richardson, who tragically lost their lives on 26 July 1998, whilst serving our charity.
Our thoughts continue to be with their loved ones, especially today.”
A Legacy of Service
All three men are remembered not only for their professionalism and skill but also for the compassion and courage they brought to their roles. Their legacy lives on in the life-saving missions carried out daily by the air ambulance teams serving Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.
Since that tragedy, KSS has grown into one of the UK’s leading helicopter emergency medical services, delivering critical care to the most seriously ill and injured across the region.
A Moment of Reflection
As the anniversary of the crash is marked each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the risks emergency responders face and the sacrifices made in service of others. Tributes have also poured in from members of the public, local officials, and emergency services colleagues, all echoing the same sentiment: these men gave their lives so others might live.
The names of Graham Budden, Mark Darby, and Tony Richardson remain etched into the history of the charity and the hearts of those they served.
