On 28 February 2025, BBC’s Ady Dayman from BBC Leicester Radio Breakfast Show spoke with Dr. Matt Woods outside Leicester Cathedral about the Make a Difference Awards, which celebrate volunteers, key workers, and everyday heroes. Matt’s story is just one of many. [Listen to the interview here – 2.09 in]
In 2023, Matt was nominated for the time and effort he puts into saving lives with EMICS. Looking back on it, he said:
“It was a very proud time on a personal level, but I was pleased that it raised the profile of the charity. It helped bring EMICS out of the background and into the light, raising awareness about the work we do. EMICS has some fantastic doctors and now paramedics who do exactly the same work I do in the community.”
Ady described Matt as incredibly modest—someone who focuses on the job rather than the praise. When asked why people should nominate others for the Make a Difference Awards, Matt said:
“You might make a difference to the individual you nominate, but you could also be helping the people they assist. If it raises their profile, that can have a real, positive impact. I urge individuals to nominate—there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
EMICS is a charity that provides critical care in partnership with the East Midlands Ambulance Service and operates in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
Matt said:
“We’re a team of doctors and paramedics who respond to emergencies across the region. Our FRV vehicle is fully equipped to provide life-saving treatment before patients even reach the hospital. We work alongside ambulance crews to give people the best possible care when they need it most.”
To learn more about EMICS visit this page.
If you know someone making a difference, why not nominate them?
