Angela Brearley

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is delighted to announce that, effective from tomorrow (Saturday 25^th April 2020) and in partnership with Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust, one of their Air Ambulance helicopters will return to operational duty.

The news follows an announcement at the beginning of April when their Doctors and Paramedics were redeployed back to the frontline to support the fight against Coronavirus.

Today’s announcement comes as the NHS in the region has confirmed that patients will not be sent to the new Nightingale facility in Harrogate, which was launched earlier this week, for the time being as existing hospitals continue to manage the surge in Coronavirus cases within the current intensive care capacity, meaning the YAA crew can return to their usual duties.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the YAA, commented: “Obviously we are delighted to be able to start operating one of our helicopters again and have our crew available to respond to emergency 999 calls.  The team has worked at very short notice to make the necessary preparations to recommence operations from tomorrow, and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication in ensuring we’re ready to resume our vital work.”

For now, the YAA will be operating one of their two helicopters from their Nostell Airbase near Wakefield, whilst the second helicopter undergoes its scheduled mandatory annual service.  There has also been a recent downturn in life-threatening 999 calls whilst people are isolating at home, resulting in slightly fewer call-outs.

Peter added: “It is no secret that the Charity industry has suffered terribly since the Coronavirus situation gripped the UK, and we have not been immune to that.  So far, we have seen a deficit of around £420,000 for events cancelled between now and the end of summer.  The team continues to work extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to get straight back to our fundraising activities once things are safe and start to get back to some normality, and we’re also taking the opportunity to explore and plan some new projects for the future.  In the meantime we have introduced more online activities and engagement for our supporters by publishing a downloadable activity pack and have even launched a helicopter cookie cutter to get our supporters baking and sharing their results with us!

We have been truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and good wishes for our crews during this unprecedented crisis situation and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has taken time to contact us recently.  We also understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone, but if anyone wishes to make a small donation to support us, it would be very gratefully received and can be done safely and securely via our website: www.yaa.org.uk/donate.”

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful to our partners at YAA for their understanding in recent weeks and their support for the recall of our paramedics to core duties on the ground.  This has allowed us to build our resilience and make all the necessary preparations for the newly launched Nightingale Hospital should we be required to convey patients to this facility.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is calling on supporters to join ‘The 2.6 Challenge’ on Sunday 26^th April 2020 to help raise vital funds for the life-saving charity.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) serves 5 million people across Yorkshire and carries out over 1,500 missions every year. The charity operates two, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters and needs to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on many charities across the UK with a calendar packed full of summer events being cancelled. For the YAA, the estimated loss of income for this period alone is in the region of £400,000 plus.

‘The 2.6 Challenge’ was created to help raise money for UK charities on the date that would have been the London Marathon, the world’s biggest one day annual fundraising event.

To take part, all you need to do is think of a challenge to complete on or from the 26^th April, ask for donations and nominate someone you know to do the same.  The only requirement is that the activity must follow the Government guidelines on exercise and social distancing and remember to stay local.

This could be anything from cycling 26 miles on your exercise bike to doing 26 laps of your garden, taking part in  26 hours of screen free time or even baking 26 cakes – the possibilities are endless.

Helen Callear, Director of Fundraising (North and East Yorkshire) for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “The YAA relies entirely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to keep both of our helicopters in the air, costing £12,000 a day.

With many of our fundraising events cancelled throughout the year, we’re looking for new and innovative ways to raise much-needed vital funds to support the Charity.

The 2.6 Challenge is a great way for people of all ages to start their fundraising journey and help support the YAA.  Many of our staff are motivated to get involved themselves along with their friends and families. We are really looking forward to seeing and hearing about all the fantastic ideas everyone has for their own 2.6 Challenge!”

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who took part in the 2.6 challenge and helped to raise vital funds to keep us flying and saving lives across Yorkshire.

A York based Amateur Dramatic Club have raised £7,200 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Leeds based charity, the Candlelighters from their pantomime production of Aladdin, which took place at the Queen Margaret’s Theatre in Escrick earlier this year.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a life-saving rapid response emergency service 365 days a year serving 5 million people across 4 million acres of Yorkshire. Dead Pan Players was set up in 2018 to bring a community together and raise funds for local charities. Last year the club raised £3,000 for the Candlelighters and this year they decided to also fundraise the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, following one of the founder’s sons being airlifted by the rapid response charity.

This year’s performance of Aladdin took place at the Queen Margaret’s Theatre in Escrick on the 24^th and 25^th January to a sell-out audience of over 670 people.

The show consisted of 57 cast members and approximately 13 stage crew. Max Kent, who was accidently hit by car and flown to hospital by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, joined the cast on stage in his wheelchair to sing two songs.

Speaking of the money raised for both charities, Co-founder of the Deadpan Players, John Kent said: “The Deadpan family is not only a way of escaping reality, expressing our creativities and our natural silliness (of which some of us excel), but it is also a great way to raise funds and awareness of our chosen charities.”

He continued: “We’ve raised £7,200 for both charities, which is almost twice the £3,705 we raised last year. We are delighted to be able to give something back to the charities that have helped friends and families of the Deadpan Family.”

Kevin Hutchinson, Yorkshire Air Ambulance Community Fundraiser, said: “It costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s Air Ambulances maintained and in the air and its fundraising events such as this that enables us to continue flying and saving lives across the region.

We cannot thank the Deadpan Players enough for their support and generosity over the last year and the £3,600 raised from the show will help tremendously towards the vital funding of our service.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance are delighted to announce the appointment of Owen McTeggart as their new Chief Pilot.

Owen commenced his new role in March, with former Chief Pilot Steve Waudby stepping up as the Charity’s Director of Aviation.

Owen has been flying for 23 years with his extensive experience being gained in the military. He joined the British Army aged 16 and later applied to undertake Pilot training in 1996. He has flown Gazelle helicopters all around the world, and previously taught Apache Pilots at the Army Air Corp flying school.

Owen actually began working for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in back in 2012 (under their then service provider Multiflight) before being transferred by Multiflight to another Air Ambulance Charity due to his home location. He resumed his role as a Yorkshire Air Ambulance Pilot in November 2019, before gaining the position of Chief Pilot in March 2020.

When asked what he enjoys about working as an Air Ambulance Pilot, Owen said: “I enjoy helping people, not only in their time of need, but also helping the crew progress in their HEMS careers. I also enjoy communicating with people on scene who come up to our helicopters and ask us questions about working for the YAA.”

Owen currently lives in Kendal, in the Lake District, but is looking to relocate to North Yorkshire. “I love the history associated with Yorkshire and walking down the old cobbled streets of York.”

Comparing the landscapes between the Lake District and Yorkshire, Owen said: “Every day is different, the scenery is different. One moment you’re flying across the Pennines and the next you’re at the coast. It’s the biggest county in the UK with such a variety of landscapes.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is currently one of only a few Air Ambulances in the North of England with night flying capabilities and this was one of the reasons Owen was drawn to his new role.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance after 4pm in the winter lends itself to several neighbouring counties as they aren’t night certified, which means you can be flying quite far into the North of England and as far down as Lincolnshire. Those additional flying hours can make such a difference to someone who really needs our help”, said Owen.

When asked what he will bring to his new role as Chief Pilot, Owen said: “Experience and a calming presence. There’s a lot of strong men and women in the aviation and medical fields but I think I’ll suit being a more emotionally supportive member of the team – being that someone that the crew can talk to and confide in.  .”

He continued: “Being calm on scene and being able to trust each other ensures that we can do our jobs efficiently, especially in the highly pressured environment of HEMS life. It’s a Pilot’s job to reassure the crew and ensure that they feel in safe hands. I’m looking forward to the new challenge and being the go-between the Pilots, the Paramedics and the Doctors”

YAA is an independent charity needing to raise £12,000 per day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances in the air and maintained.  This is equivalent to £4.4 million each year. Last year, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended over 1,800 incidents, an average of 5 per day.

Following on from the statement published earlier this week (30.03.2020), and due to the intensifying situation surrounding Coronavirus and the urgent need for more highly skilled paramedics on the frontline, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have had to take the extremely difficult decision to redeploy all of their Critical Care Paramedics onto frontline land ambulance duties.

This comes just days after it was announced that the YAA’s Critical Care Consultants were to be redeployed back to their respective hospitals to focus on their primary roles in emergency medicine, anaesthesia and critical care across Yorkshire.

The announcement coincides with the news that the Harrogate Convention Centre is to be opened as one of four national Coronavirus NHS Nightingale Hospitals specifically set up to deal with patients of the pandemic.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the YAA explains: “As the NHS anticipates the Coronavirus crisis will intensify in the region over the next few weeks, demand on the new Nightingale Hospital in Harrogate will inevitably increase.  This means that patients will need transferring by road ambulance to the facility, and this will be supported by YAS’s specialist team of highly skilled Paramedics.  As our Critical Care Paramedics fall into this category, is it vitally important that their skills are utilised to provide as much support as possible during this crisis period.”

This means that for a temporary period, the YAA will be unable to fly either of their Air Ambulance helicopters, for emergency purposes for now.  They will however, be periodically undertaking some essential & mandatory Pilot training, along with the possibility of providing assistance to the civil powers.  This may include transferring essential medical equipment or personnel across the region at some point in the future.

Peter continues: “Obviously this situation isn’t ideal for the Charity, however we know we must do whatever we can to support our colleagues in the NHS and at YAS, and by redeploying our Doctors and Paramedics back to the frontline, where they are currently needed the most, this is the best decision we can take at this time.  We do wish to reinforce however, that this is just a temporary measure, and that the YAA crews and helicopters will be back flying as soon as the situation starts to safely subside.”

The YAA crew will complete their last shift from their Nostell Airbase today (03.04.2020) before being immediately redeployed to the YAS frontline.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust added: “This has been the most difficult of decisions, but we are currently operating in unprecedented times and we need to ensure that valuable clinical resources are in place where they can be of most benefit to patients.  We are sincerely grateful to Peter Sunderland and his team for their understanding and continued support at this challenging time.”

Peter concluded: “It is times like these when, as a nation, we must all pull together to support one and other, and in particular the NHS and our key workers.  Our vital contribution at this time is to support them by redeploying our key medical personnel back to the frontline, where they are currently needed the most.

“The Charity will continue to do everything it can at this time to plan for the future, and as soon as this situation has safely subsided, our helicopters will be back in the air and our fundraising teams will be back out and about supporting and educating the people of Yorkshire about the wonderful work we do.

“Finally, we would also reiterate our message from earlier in the week reinforcing the government’s message to stay at home and only travel for essential reasons if you have to.  We must all do our bit to help stop the spread of this virus as soon as possible.  Please ensure you and your loved ones keep safe and I personally thank everyone for their ongoing support.”

Statement on behalf of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust:

As the situation regarding Coronavirus intensifies across our region, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS) and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have taken the difficult decision to re-deploy some of their key medical personnel to allow YAS and the NHS to provide as much frontline care as possible.

This means, that effective from today (Monday 30th March), all YAA Doctors will concentrate on their frontline roles, which are Consultants in emergency medicine, anaesthesia and critical care, ensuring their primary roles are focused upon in their respective hospitals.

Along with this, a small number of the YAA’s highly skilled Critical Care Paramedics will be re-deployed to support YAS frontline personnel working on ambulances.

This means that the YAA, for a temporary period, will be operating only one of their Air Ambulance helicopters from their airbase at Nostell, near Wakefield, in the heart of Yorkshire.

Peter Sunderland, YAA Chairman explains: “In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, the YAA wants to do everything it can to support the NHS and YAS in their fight against COVID-19. It is important that everyone does their part, including us.

“As the cases of COVID-19 rise, it also increases the pressure on the NHS. We know that YAS anticipates a significant increase in 999 calls across the region and by redeploying our Doctors and a small number of our Critical Care Paramedics back to their respective hospitals or ambulance operations, we can do our bit to support the frontline effort.”

Peter continues: “This means, for a temporary period, we will be operating only one of our two helicopters from our Nostell airbase, with a crew of two Critical Care Paramedics and a Pilot.

We would also strongly reinforce the government’s message to stay at home during this crisis, and stay local to your home for your daily exercise period. Travelling further afield in cars to places like forests or moorlands can increase the risk of possible unnecessary accidents such as RTC’s or falls where our services might be required. With a reduced service currently available from the YAA, it’s vitally important we are available for the most urgent cases.”

The YAA will be operating a daily shift from 7am to 7pm from their Nostell Airbase until the Doctors and Paramedics are able to re-join them: this is under regular review.

Nick Smith, Executive Director of Operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust added: “We are operating in an unprecedented situation and coronavirus is presenting the whole NHS with arguably the greatest challenge it has ever faced. This means that we have to be flexible and resilient in our approach to ensure patients receive the care they need. Whilst it has been a difficult decision to temporarily re-deploy some of the clinicians on the region’s air ambulance operation, it’s the right thing to do for the circumstances we find ourselves in.”

Peter concludes “It is no secret that we have seen a huge downturn in fundraising incomes and activities in the last couple of weeks. A calendar packed full of summer events and activities has virtually been wiped out, with an estimated loss of income for this period alone being in the region of £400,000 plus. We have now closed our Head Office in Elland, and the rest of the team are working at home for their own safety. They are working extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to get straight back to our fundraising activities once things start to get back to some normality, and we’re also taking the opportunity to explore and plan some new projects for the future.

“We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for everyone, but if anyone wishes to make a small donation to support us at this time, it would be very gratefully received and can be done safely and securely via our website: www.yaa.org.uk/donate.

The Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association presented a cheque of £18, 382.54 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, following a successful 10 months of fundraising by over 65 branches throughout Yorkshire.

The money has been raised by over 2000 members at events such as garden parties, mad hatters tea parties, wheelbarrow races and auctions amongst others. Glenys Rowe, member of the Forge Valley Branch, designed an Air Ambulance tapestry from which she has raised over £1500 by selling stitches to complete it.

Anita Taylor, YCA County Chairman, said: “Last year our ladies chose a worthwhile charity to support and as the YAA has come to so many people’s rescue, we decided it was time for us to help them out too.

“The members of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association are a versatile bunch and have really enjoyed coming up with new ideas to raise funds whilst enjoying each other’s company.”

Anita Continued “Working with the YAA has been a great experience for us all. Not only have we raised such a fantastic sum but we have raised our membership number too with new ladies joining us every week after seeing how creative, crafty and community minded we are.”

Glenys Rowe, Chairman of the Homecrafts Committee, said: “I asked an artist friend to create an Air Ambulance design on a tapestry for me which I could sell stitches from. It has been a huge success and I’ve taken it everywhere from the regional shows in Yorkshire to the Goldwing Motorbike Light Parade in Scarborough, people are very interested in the tapestry and why we are doing it and it’s great to have a natter about it.”

Representatives from the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association presented the cheque to Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew at their airbase last Saturday. In attendance were Kevin Hutchinson, Community Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Paramedics Sammy Wills and YAA consultant Steve Rowe.

Kevin Hutchinson, Community Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association for raising an incredible £18,382.54 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The money raised will help tremendously towards the vital funding of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and help us continue saving lives across the region.”

“Following the recent announcement from Buckingham Palace, along with increasing staff, volunteer and donor opinion, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Trustee Board (at its monthly meeting today) has decided to withdraw from our connection with HRH The Duke of York, and as such, he will no longer be the Royal Patron of the YAA.

As a Charity funded generously by public donations, we must seriously consider the opinions of our donors and supporters, and this has been a significant factor in reaching this decision.”

Note:

This will be the only comment on the matter from the YAA.  Requests for interviews will not be considered.

Issued on: Tuesday 26^th November 2019

To mark Road Safety Week (18 November) emergency services including West Yorkshire Police, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Yorkshire Air Ambulance have joined together to offer a unique insight into the work of the emergency services when at the scene of a collision.

The video which can be viewed here, features PC Wayne Mason, firefighter John Arey and chief pilot Steve Waudby, talking about their role at the scene and why they would require a road to be closed. They also talk about what the public can do to support their work and to help minimise the distress for casualties and their family members by being mindful of what they post on social media about such incidents.

The idea for the video came from a firefighter who was distressed after seeing members of the public filming the scene of a fatal road traffic collision he attended.

Firefighter John Arey said: “We want to remind the public that we’re there to help make everyone as safe as possible, which then can allow police to get the roads open and moving again. To do this we need their help, so please think about your behaviour if you do encounter an accident on West Yorkshire’s roads. Be patient and understand that we’re just trying to do our job- and the road will reopen as soon as it is safe and legal to do so.

“I have been really saddened by a small minority of people at the scene of accidents, who have driven past filming and videoing on their phones.

“As well as being dangerous, and creating the risk of causing another accident it’s also really disrespectful. Imagine if it was your loved one lying injured or killed and people were trying to film them – it’s awful.”

PC Wayne Mason from West Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “It can be frustrating when you are stuck in traffic because the road ahead is closed but we don’t take these decisions lightly.

“We want to educate members of the public about the reasons why we sometimes need to close the road and why it can take some time to reopen.

“Ultimately it’s all about safety; we need to make sure the people caught up in these incidents are as safe as possible and also to keep other road users safe.

“I hope that this video shows the public why we need patience and understanding during these times. I would also urge people who think it’s acceptable to get their smart phone out and take a picture or video of the crash scene to think twice. First it’s an offence to use your mobile behind the wheel but, secondly, think of the families involved in the incident.

“You will eventually get home tonight, but their loved ones may not.”

Steve Waudby, Chief Pilot of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “While we understand that road closures can be an inconvenience, please bear with us and allow us to do our jobs.  The closures are there for both the safety of the public and also the emergency services personnel.

“There are many dangers and considerations to landing an aircraft on the motorway and it is important that the landing site is safe and secure.  Our service is there to help to try and save lives, or at least provide the very best medical care for the patient concerned.  Sadly, in some cases, it is not always the positive outcome we’d hope for, and we urge members of the public to be considerate of this.

“Road closures are only a temporary measure, but from the moment a patient is involved in an accident, their lives and their families lives will have been changed forever.  It is important that we remember this.  You will make it home eventually – unfortunately the patient involved may not be so lucky”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance ambassador Amanda Owen and her family are back on our TV screens and they are also the subject a newly-released charity Christmas card painted by a Harrogate artist.

The Yorkshire Shepherdess, who is followed by more than 1.5 million viewers in the second series of the Channel 5 documentary Our Yorkshire Farm, was the focus of a YAA charity card last year. Painted Anita Bowerman, it became the charity’s best-seller with cards flying off around the world. It showed Amanda surrounded by her beloved sheep and dogs on a harsh winter’s day.

This year’s cards have just been released and they’re already proving more popular than ever. Sold in aid of the YAA, all proceeds go directly to the charity.

Amanda said: “I am absolutely delighted to feature again on the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Christmas cards. Anita Bowerman is a fantastically-skilled artist who has a unique ability to be able to depict children and animals in wonderfully intricate detail.

“I am hopeful that these cards will go worldwide and raise much-needed funds for this incredible charity. 100% profit goes to the YAA.”

Amanda – a hill farmer, mother of nine, photographer, public speaker and a successful author – has become something of a celebrity. She lives with her husband Clive and their family at Ravenseat in Upper Swaledale, North Yorkshire – one of the highest, most remote hill farms in England.

She has always been a supporter of the work of the YAA, given the remote area they live in and nature of the work the charity undertakes, however it was an introduction through Anita that brought Amanda and the charity closer together.

Amanda explains: “I was contacted by Anita last year to ask if I’d be happy to collaborate with her and the YAA by painting me and my sheep as a scene for one of the YAA’s Christmas cards.  Obviously it was a real honour for me to accept, and the card went onto be the Charity’s best-selling Christmas card!

“I hear they were sending them out all around the world, and as far away as Canada!  We have then kept in contact since and when I was asked to be an Ambassador I was absolutely delighted – I genuinely couldn’t think of a better organisation to be involved with.  I was very emotional when they first asked me.”

Amanda added: “I am aware that living as remotely as we do the YAA is a vital service that can make the difference between life and death. We have had our fair share of medical emergencies, though are fortunate to have never yet ourselves required the services of the YAA.”

Anita said: “Painting Amanda and her family and animals is always such a joy. In the card you can see Amanda with some of her children, sheepdogs, a robin, Tony the Pony, an owl, a robin and much more. The holly hanging above them is kept in this ancient barn all year. The original painting is in my gallery in Harrogate – the Dove Tree Art gallery and Studio.

“It is a privilege to be able to support the vital work of the YAA through the sale of these cards and having Amanda as an ambassador is a bonus.”

Priced at £4 for 10 cards, they are available online at the YAA website https://www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/product/yorkshire-shepherdess-2/ or you can call in to Anita’s Harrogate gallery – see www.anitabowerman.co.uk for location and opening times.

Anita has also illustrated two more cards for the YAA this Christmas – Ribblehead Viaduct and Malham Cove.

Copies of last year’s card are still available to buy now through the YAA website: www.yaa.org.uk/shop .

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance held their annual Recognition Awards at Oulton Hall in Leeds on the 17^th October, celebrating Yorkshire Businesses and Fundraisers from across the region, who have dedicated their time to raise money for the charity.

A judging panel handpicked the finalists from the volunteers, businesses and fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for the charity, and Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes from ITV Calendar, and who are also Patrons of the charity, compered and hosted the awards.

Former Yorkshire Air Ambulance patient Stephen Croft, was awarded the Patient Fundraising Ambassador award for his service to the charity following his cardiac arrest at Barnsley’s Oakwell stadium last year.

Stephen was airlifted from the Club in September 2018 following a cardiac arrest he experienced whilst volunteering pitch side for the Barnsley vs Burton Albion game.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance landed on the pitch in front of 11,000 people and managed to resuscitate him, before airlifting Stephen to Sheffield Northern General Hospital for further treatment.

A year after his cardiac arrest, through the work Stephen and his family have done with Barnsley Football Club, they have raised almost £14,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the total is still rising.

Stephen has also inspired many local organisations and companies to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as well becoming a registered volunteer for the Charity, along with his wife, daughter and two friends. Through his connections with the club and his volunteering, Stephen is working to promote the work of the Charity to the people of South Yorkshire.

On the 22^nd September, Stephen and his family, along with Andrew Clark from Barnsley Football Club presented a cheque to staff and crew of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Air Support Unit in Foulby.

Speaking of his award, Stephen said: “I was very pleased and honoured to be nominated for this award. I have a lot of people to be grateful to for not only saving my life, but supporting me afterwards and helping to raise the funds and raise awareness for the air ambulance. I am eternally grateful and look forward to a long and successful time volunteering”.

Head of Marketing and Barnsley Football Club, Andrew Clark added, “The reaction of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was integral to the saving of Steve’s life and it’s clear that the Barnsley FC family recognised that. The figure raised is testament to the generosity of our supporters and the wider footballing community, and there is  no doubt that the Club will continue to work alongside Steve and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance over the course of this campaign.”

Charlie Pearson, South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance said: “We are delighted to recognise Stephen Crofts fundraising efforts with this year’s Patient Fundraising Ambassador Award and we are incredibly grateful for his support and dedication to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

We would also like to extend our thank you to the staff and fans of Barnsley FC for their continued support and generosity, which has helped spread the word about the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the South Yorkshire region.”

A number of West Yorkshire businesses and fundraisers have been praised at this year’s annual Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognition Awards.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance held the event at Oulton Hall in Leeds on the 17^th October, celebrating the Yorkshire Businesses and Fundraisers from across the region, who have dedicated their time to raise money for the charity.

A judging panel handpicked the finalists from the volunteers, businesses and fundraisers who have worked tirelessly for the charity, and Jon Mitchell and Gaynor Barnes from ITV Calendar, and who are also Patrons of the charity, compered and hosted the awards.

West Yorkshire Volunteers of the Year – Brian and Maureen Amos

Brian and Maureen from Wakefield have been very active volunteers for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for many years. From helping out at YAA events, collecting tins and even organising their own events on their caravan site in Ulroome. Brian and Maureen are always willing to help wherever they can and are great ambassadors for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Community Group Award – Brodstock Music Festival Committee

The Community Group Award went to Brodstock, an award winning local family music festival in Hipperholme near Halifax, run entirely by a small team of dedicated volunteers.

Brodstock festival is a firm favourite for residents of West Yorkshire and last year over 4,000 tickets were sold in less than an hour, bringing their total to date to over £25,000.

Their club Old Brodleians has also been fantastic supporters of the charity since early 2012 and a very dedicated partner for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, having raised just shy of £35,000 to date.

Trusts award – West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd

Every year the Masonic Charitable Foundation donates one day’s running cost, £12,000, to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. However last year-the West Riding Masonic Charities Ltd also donated an extra £20,000 to purchase a pair of Night Vision Goggles, which has enabled the charity to extend their flying hours into the night.

Individual Support Award – Air Valley UK and Laurie Peterson Waggon and Horses

The first individual Supporter Award of the evening went to Aire Valley UK, a West Yorkshire based Harley Davidson group with approximately 300 members. Aire Valley have supported the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for a number of years at their rallies across the region, raising nearly £25, 000 for the charity.

The second Individual Support Award went to the Waggon & Horses, a small pub in the village of Fairburn near Selby, who have been supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance since 2016.

Each year Laurie Peterson, the landlady of the Waggon & Horses organising a family fun day and last year, the event raised an impressive £7,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. To date, Laurie and her team have now raised over £20,000.

Corporate Supporter Awards – UKAR, TOG24 & A.D.D Express

TOG24 – (Heckmondwike)

Managing Director Mark Ward collected the Corporate Supporter Award on behalf of Tog24, a Heckmondwike based company who have been supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance for just over 12 months in a very unique way.

The family run, third generation business have been generously donating their factory seconds to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance  free of charge, and allowing us to generate extra funds at events across the region by selling them on Yorkshire Air Ambulance stalls.

In little more than 12 months, the YAA have generated approximately £45,000 from TOG24 items and we are extremely grateful for their support.

UKAR (Bingley)

UK Asset Resolution, based in Bingley West Yorkshire took home the second West Yorkshire Corporate award. UKAR have supported the charity since 2013 and to date have raised over £50,000.

Each year colleagues of UKAR vote to support a local charity and Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been a long standing favourite.

Through a dedicated charity committee, each year they plan and organise various charity fundraising events from internal office games, to team building, sponsored events and this year they hosted their very own Yellow Yorkshire duck race along the beck which runs by their office. They also share an office block with a separate company called Computer Share who have also been great supporters of the YAA and together they have done many joint fundraising activities

A.D.D Express (Elland)

The last of the Corporate Supporter awards went to ADD Express LTD in Elland, who have been offering storage solutions for the Charities merchandise, products and event equipment for a number of years now.  Their support allows bulk merchandise and products to be delivered safely to their warehouse and stored securely.  A vitally crucial support mechanism for the YAA, it was only right A.D.D Express got the recognition they deserved.

Chairman’s Award – The Hoyle Family

Card Factory founder and former Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle and his family took home the prestigious Chairman’s Award for their ten year dedication to the Charity and to recognise their £2.2million Pedal for Pounds success through their work through Huddersfield Town Football Club.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Dean, Janet and the boys have been truly inspirational in helping to raise a phenomenal amount of money for our charity over the last decade, and helped raise the profile of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance through the highly successful Pedal for Pounds campaign and their work with HTAFC.  Just last week we were delighted to announce that the campaign hit the £2 million mark raised. It was my absolute pleasure therefore to be able to recognise all their hard work with this year’s YAA Chairman’s award.

It is the continued support and generosity from people like the Hoyle’s, which enables us to keep saving lives across not only across Huddersfield but the wider Yorkshire area and we’re proud to have them as part of our Yorkshire Air Ambulance family. ”

Kerry Dwyer, South and West Yorkshire Director of Fundraising, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise some of the fundraising successes across our region and give back to the people who have worked tirelessly to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance over the years.  Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards keeping both of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s flying over Yorkshire, your support has been greatly appreciated.”