A familiar sight in his red uniform, Sam Carter has served the people of Camber, Rye and the surrounding villages as a volunteer Community First Responder for 18 years. Now, after over 43,000 hours on call, and having attended over 4,500 patients, Sam has decided it’s time for him to retire for medical reasons. Sam hung up his SECAMB uniform for the last time in December.
Sam will be desperately missed but his legacy will be a lasting one. In grateful thanks for all that he has done for the community, Rother Responders will be installing a defibrillator at the new Visitor Centre in Camber Central Car Park, when it reopens in the summer. Rother Responders team leader Tracy Pepler said, “We’re proud to celebrate Sam’s tireless commitment and dedication to our community in this way. A defibrillator can save the life of someone who is in cardiac arrest and their heart has stopped. So what better tribute to Sam and all his tireless service?”
“The village won’t, though, be without a First Responder. Steve joined the team in Camber in 2024, and we’re hoping to add a further team member later this year,” added Tracy.
A celebration event for Sam was held at The Camber Castle in late January, giving colleagues from across the local Ambulance Service, as well as friends and neighbours from Camber, the opportunity to thank Sam and to wish him a happy retirement.
