Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) hosted its annual Recognition Awards on 17 October 2024, at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford. The evening, hosted by well-known Yorkshire figures Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes, was attended by over 200 guests and served as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication shown by volunteers, businesses, and fundraisers in supporting YAA’s vital services.
This year’s theme, “Every Penny Counts – Fundraising in the Community,” emphasised the everyday heroes whose dedication serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact that a community united in a common cause can achieve, proving that even the smallest contributions can create a monumental impact.
Reflecting on the event, interim Regional Fundraising Manager for West and South Yorkshire, Helen Berriman shared, “The Recognition Awards not only celebrate the incredible contributions made by our supporters but also highlight the strength of community spirit that drives our fundraising efforts. Each story we highlight reinforces the idea that together, we can achieve remarkable things. It’s heartwarming to see so many individuals and groups rallying behind Yorkshire Air Ambulance and demonstrating their commitment to making a difference.“
The following remarkable individuals and organisations were honoured:
Volunteer of the Year: Julie Sutton
Sponsored by Gripple, with Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation, presenting the award.
Julie Sutton, from Pudsey has volunteered since 2019, quickly becoming a well-loved and highly respected part of the team. Her incredible dedication, particularly at YAA’s pop-up shop in the St John’s Centre in Leeds, played a key role in its success. Julie is always willing to help, going above and beyond to contribute wherever she can.
Individual & Supporter Organisations Award: Marieke Haigh
Sponsored by Serious Injury Law, with Natalie Mousavi presenting the award.
Marieke, from Mirfield, reached out to Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2023 with a selfless fundraising idea for her 50th birthday, deciding to forgo gifts in favour of donations. What started as a small raffle turned into a grand auction, thanks to the generosity of local businesses that donated incredible prizes. The event, complete with live music, a fairground carousel, and a cameo singing performance by Marieke herself, raised an astonishing £50,500 for YAA and a local hospice – £1,000 for every year of her life. Marieke’s dedication and generosity, along with her ongoing support through her family’s farm shop, reflect her deep commitment to helping others.
Corporate Supporters Award: Rosemont Pharmaceuticals and Yorkshire Garden Centres
Sponsored by AirTV, with Managing Director Matt Richards presenting the award.
Rosemont Pharmaceuticals, based in Leeds and specialising in liquid medicine, has been a generous supporter of YAA since 2014 through their Foundation, contributing an impressive £143,000 to date. Their ongoing support is driven by staff votes, and YAA has made a point of visiting their offices to personally thank employees and share how their contributions impact the charity’s work.
Yorkshire Garden Centres, with locations in Tong, Tingley, Bingley, and Otley, selected YAA as their 2023 charity of the year, setting an initial target of £19,000. Their creative fundraising efforts, including staff skydives, Grinch-themed parties in their play gyms, collection tins at checkouts, and bucket collections, exceeded expectations. Their incredible commitment culminated at their annual awards evening, where they proudly announced raising over £23,000 for YAA, surpassing their goal and providing invaluable support to the charity.
Grants and Trusts Award: The Bramhope Trust
Sponsored by HSBC, with Network Manager, Ryan Curtis presenting the award.
The Bramhope Trust, a small charitable organisation based in Leeds, has supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance every year since 2010, with donations now reaching an incredible £67,750. Their contributions have funded critical items like heated patient blankets, crew clothing and helmets, training equipment, and even YAA’s newly launched Reflection and Remembrance Garden. In addition to these donations, the Trust’s trustees further support YAA through a separate club that organises fundraising events in East Yorkshire, donating all proceeds to the charity.
Jan Swallow, from Honley, received the prestigious Chairman’s Award for her outstanding fundraising, raising over £103,000 in memory of her son, Graham, who tragically passed away after a motorbike accident in 2007. Her efforts began with a skydive and evolved into crafting and selling handmade items with her mother, Jean, under the name “J2Crafts.” Together, they have been tireless supporters of YAA, attending events across Yorkshire for over 14 years.
YAA Chairman, Mike Harrop, said, “Jan’s dedication and generosity are truly extraordinary, and this award is incredibly well-deserved.”
In addition to the west Yorkshire award winners, The Holberry Family from North Yorkshire received the Patient Fundraising Ambassador Award for their inspiring Three Peaks challenge, raising over £7,000 following Richard Holberry’s life-saving treatment by YAA. Furthermore, the Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to Morrisons for their pivotal role in the clothing recycling scheme, contributing over £750,000.
All recipients exemplify dedication and commitment to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.