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: Peter Carroll
Sponsored by Gripple, with Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation, presenting the award.
Peter Carroll, from Barnsley has been recognised for his unwavering dedication to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Tirelessly giving his time, he actively participates in supermarket stalls, braves the elements at summer galas and fairs, and diligently empties collection tins. Always ready to lend a hand, Peter is often the first person the team calls upon for support at events, arriving with a biscuit or two to share. His commitment and friendly presence make him a cherished member of the South team.nd fundraising teams briefly stepping away from their daily duties to come together to make personal phone calls and write notelets to their supporters. These small acts of gratitude are designed to forge an emotional connection, reminding donors that their contributions – no matter the size – make a life-saving difference.
Community Group of the Year: Rotherham Burlesque Chair Dancers
Sponsored by the John Cotton Group, with their Chairman, Mark Cotton, presenting the award.
This amazing group of ladies, celebrating body positivity in all its forms, has raised an impressive £10,600 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. With dancers ranging from size 6 to 30, they encourage everyone to be proud of their bodies and flaunt what they’ve got! Their fundraising efforts include organising dazzling themed burlesque shows, conducting energetic bucket collections in supermarkets, and hosting lively raffles and tombolas. One standout event was their burlesquathon, where participants danced the day away, performing a variety of routines from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their creativity and enthusiasm make them deserving winners.
Corporate Supporters Award: Harris & Co and Gripple
Sponsored by AirTV, with Managing Director Matt Richards presenting the award.
Harris & Co, based in Barnsley, has supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance as their charity of the year for two consecutive years, successfully raising an impressive £8,000 through various initiatives. Their efforts have included a family fun festival, a Christmas tree festival, a cycle challenge at their Barnsley offices, bake sales, and raffles. Their ongoing support showcases the positive impact businesses can have on local communities.
Gripple, based in Sheffield, has been a vital partner for YAA, supporting the charity through their grants programme for several years. In late 2023, Gripple employees chose YAA as their 2024 Charity of the Year, launching a variety of impactful fundraising initiatives. Their efforts kicked off with a Christmas raffle, a spinathon, and bucket collections at Sheffield Wednesday matches. Throughout the year, the YAA Charity team worked with Gripple to organise fundraising events across their four office locations, and many employees opted to contribute through their payroll giving scheme. Additionally, YAA benefited from Gripple’s annual ball, organised by two of their graduate trainees. To date, Gripple has raised over £27,500 for YAA.
In addition to the South 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. The Bramhope Trust received the Grants and Trusts Award, recognising their outstanding support of £67,750 since 2010. The Outstanding Partnership Award was presented to Morrisons for their pivotal role in the clothing recycling scheme, contributing over £750,000.
The prestigious Chairman’s Award was given to Jan Swallow for remarkable fundraising efforts, totalling over £103,000 in memory of her son.
All recipients exemplify dedication and commitment to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.