Charity - Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognises East Yorkshire Fundraising Excellence at Annual Awards

23 October 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

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, Regional Fundraising Manager for North and East Yorkshire, Tessa Klemz shared, “This evening shines a spotlight on the true essence of Yorkshire—the incredible people. Their unwavering dedication to our mission is the lifeblood of our service, and we are incredibly grateful for everything they do for YAA. The creativity and passion shown in their fundraising efforts truly inspire us all.”

The following remarkable individuals and organisations were honoured:

Volunteer of the Year: Geoff and Joan Kirk

Sponsored by Gripple, with Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation, presenting the award.

Geoff and Joan Kirk, from Selby, have been dedicated volunteers since 2016 and are known for their infectious enthusiasm. They frequently assist at events, often travelling with their caravan to support the charity. Joan’s quick wit and humour keep everyone entertained, while her homemade cakes are a beloved treat among the YAA fundraising team. Their unwavering commitment and friendly presence make them invaluable assets to YAA, exemplifying their dedication to the charity’s mission.

Community Group of the Year: Farmer Christmas Tractor Run

Sponsored by the John Cotton Group, with their Chairman, Mark Cotton, presenting the award.

From humble beginnings in 2021, Nicola Knaggs and Laura Bell, from Foxholes, organised an illuminated tractor run in just three short weeks, bringing together nearly 100 tractors adorned with twinkling lights, honking horns, and festive cheer as they paraded through two County Council areas. Now a cherished annual tradition, the event has raised over £20,000 for YAA, delighting locals and visitors alike with the enchanting sight of brilliantly lit tractors rolling down the streets. This year’s run is planned for December 8, and excitement is already building for another spectacular display!

Individual & Supporter Organisations Award: Mr Philip Parkin – Parkin Family Butchers

Sponsored by Serious Injury Law, with Natalie Mousavi presenting the award.

Philip Parkin has made a remarkable impact on YAA, supporting raising over £25,000 through his connections and fundraising efforts. As the owner of Parkin Family Butchers in Howden and involvement at Selby Livestock Auction Mart, he has consistently supported the charity through his shop and local events. His active participation in the Howden Show and Sheriff Hutton Point to Point further showcases his dedication to promoting YAA within the community. Additionally, Philip organises regular yard sales and hosts a recycling bank at his shop, making a significant contribution to the charity’s success over the years.

Corporate Supporters Award: Sorrymate

Sponsored by AirTV, with Managing Director Matt Richards presenting the award.

Sorrymate, a personal injury solicitors based in Warrington but closely working with Olivers Mount in Scarborough, has actively supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance since 2014 at motorbike shows and events. In 2020, Phil and Fergus initiated an impressive raffle for a fully specced race bike, with all proceeds benefiting YAA. Over the course of a year, they sold tickets and raised an incredible £17,000. The bike, signed by over 100 renowned motorbike riders, became a truly unique prize. Excitingly, they are now planning another raffle launching later this year, ensuring continued support for YAA’s vital services!

In addition to the East Yorkshire award winners, The Holberry Family 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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Celebrates Unwavering North Yorkshire Community Support at 2024 Recognition Awards

23 October 202423 October 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

The following remarkable individuals and organisations were honoured:

Volunteer of the Year: Jean and Ivan Joynes

Sponsored by Gripple, with Natalie Rusling, Chair of the Gripple Foundation, presenting the award.

Jean and Ivan Joynes from Minskip are exemplary volunteers who embody the spirit of community support. Jean enjoys attending stalls and bucket collections on behalf of YAA, where her friendly demeanour is well-known. Ivan complements this by crafting walking sticks with a friend to raise funds, which are always popular among supporters. He also hosts metal detecting events to further contribute to YAA’s efforts. Additionally, the couple regularly participates in the Minskip car boot sale, donating their earnings to fund YAA’s lifesaving missions.

Community Group of the Year: Hawes Yarnbombers

Sponsored by the John Cotton Group, with their Chairman, Mark Cotton, presenting the award.

The Hawes Yarnbombers have become local legends for their jaw-dropping knitted installations, transforming everyday outdoor spaces into vibrant displays that capture the imagination of all who see them. These larger-than-life creations—such as their Alice in Wonderland display in 2021, Shrek in 2022, and Wallace & Gromit in 2023—have not only wowed visitors but also raised over £18,500 for YAA. Their unique Wallace & Gromit piece has even found a permanent home at the Wensleydale Creamery, continuing to support YAA in a truly unforgettable way!

Individual & Supporter Organisations Award: Wilf and Marjorie Gill

Sponsored by Serious Injury Law, with Natalie Mousavi presenting the award.

Wilf and Marjorie Gill have transformed their Northallerton home into a festive wonderland each Christmas, with an ever-growing collection of spectacular light displays. Their enchanting decorations, which fill their garden, create a magical atmosphere, drawing in visitors with sweets, mulled wine, and Christmas excitement for local children. Over the past four years, their impressive efforts have raised nearly £9,000 for YAA, with Wilf dressed as Santa alongside YAA mascot Percy, delighting the community with their festive spirit.

Corporate Supporters Award: Berwins Solicitors

Sponsored by AirTV, with Managing Director Matt Richards presenting the award.

Berwins Solicitors, based in Harrogate, have demonstrated outstanding support for YAA through a variety of fundraising activities, including static cycle days, quizzes, and participation in the Yorkshire Marathon. Their collective efforts as corporate supporters have fostered a strong sense of teamwork among colleagues, raising nearly £7,000 to date.

Patient Fundraising Ambassador Award: The Holberry Family

Presented by Iain Fawcett, Operations Director from Rosemont Pharmaceuticals.

In July 2023, Richard Holberry, from Harrogate, sustained life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident, suffering multiple spinal fractures, spinal cord damage, fractured ribs, and a collapsed lung. Yorkshire Air Ambulance responded swiftly, providing two hours of critical care before airlifting him to Leeds General Infirmary. Inspired by his recovery, Richard’s sons, Joe, Harry, and Oli, along with friends, took on the challenging 24-mile Yorkshire Three Peaks, raising over £7,000 in a heartfelt tribute, driven by their gratitude for YAA’s life-saving role.

In addition to the North Yorkshire award winners, 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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Applauds West Yorkshire’s Fundraising Excellence at Annual Awards

23 October 202423 October 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

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.

Chairmans Award: Jan Swallow

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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recognises South Yorkshire’s Fundraising Stars at Annual Awards

23 October 202423 October 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Sends 700 Postcards to Supporters for ‘Ta Very Much’ Day

16 October 202414 October 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating its second annual ‘Ta Very Much’ day, continuing its heartfelt mission to personally thank its supporters. This year, 700 handwritten postcards will be landing on doorsteps across Yorkshire, each one carrying a message of thanks to randomly selected donors across Yorkshire, expressing gratitude for their contributions over the past 12 months.

The event, which originated as a way to give back to those who help keep YAA’s helicopters flying, captures the essence of Yorkshire generosity. The name ‘Ta Very Much’ adds a regional twist to the timeless tradition of saying ‘thank you’ and demonstrates the charity’s commitment to recognising its supporters’ vital role in its life-saving work.

The event saw YAA staff including the lifesaving crew of paramedics, doctors, pilots, TCM’s and various head office and 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.

Joining the team this year was YAA’s Patron and beloved Yorkshire figure, Jon Mitchell, the former ITV Calendar weather forecaster. His participation added a special touch to the day as he sat down with the team to personally write notes to supporters, signing his cards with his famous raincloud signature. Also taking part was Peter Sunderland, YAA’s former Chairman and now Patron, who retired in 2023 after 20 years of dedicated service. Peter spent the day calling supporters, engaging in meaningful conversations and learning more about the personal stories behind their generous support for the charity.

Katie Collinson, Partnerships Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “This event has become a meaningful tradition for us, allowing us to pause and personally thank those who make our life-saving work possible. Whether it’s through a handwritten postcard or a phone call, it’s important that our supporters know how much their generosity means to us and the difference they make in keeping our helicopters flying and our crew responding to emergencies across Yorkshire.”

The charity acknowledges that while it can’t thank every supporter individually, ‘Ta Very Much’ day has become a special moment to make that personal connection with as many donors as possible. For those who didn’t receive a call or postcard, the message remains the same— YAA’s gratitude extends to every person who supports their mission, your generosity is truly appreciated.

Specialist Critical Care Paramedic, Tammy Williams, highlighted the importance of supporters’ contributions in enabling their emergency response: “Every mission we fly is funded by the generosity of our supporters. Their contributions directly impact our ability to reach critically ill patients, whether it’s responding to a cardiac arrest, a severe trauma, or a road traffic collision. ‘Ta Very Much’ day gives us the chance to express our gratitude, as without their support, we simply wouldn’t be able to carry out our life-saving work across Yorkshire.”

With the success of its second year, YAA looks forward to continuing the ‘Ta Very Much’ tradition, ensuring their supporters feel valued and appreciated for years to come.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Reflection and Remembrance Garden Officially Opens to the Public

23 September 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s (YAA) Reflection and Remembrance Garden, which won the prestigious ‘Best in Show’ award at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show earlier this year, has now been officially unveiled at its new permanent location in Roundhay Park’s Specialist Gardens, Leeds.

The garden, designed by York-based landscape architect Kate Smithson, features a striking yellow metal pergola, inspired by the rotor blades of the Air Ambulance, surrounded by soft planting and a calming reflective pool. Its new home, next to a large sycamore tree – renowned for its helicopter seeds – offers a perfect connection to the Air Ambulance’s life-saving work across the region.

The official ribbon-cutting was an intimate event attended by YAA’s lifesaving crew, head office and fundraising staff, the talented garden team behind its design and construction, key sponsors who made the project possible, and representatives from Leeds City Council.

Speaking at the event, Regional Fundraising Manager Tessa Klemz, who has led the garden project over the past ten months, said, “Roundhay Park is such a beautiful, central location that is freely accessible to everyone. We hope that people will come here to take a moment to reflect and remember, whether they have a personal connection to Yorkshire Air Ambulance or not”.

The Reflection and Remembrance Garden was made possible through generous sponsorship from several organisations, including Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust. The project was delivered at no cost to the charity, allowing YAA to continue focusing its resources on its life-saving operations.

Reflecting on her design, Kate Smithson said, “I designed the garden to create a peaceful and reflective atmosphere. The pergola, curved benches, central pool, and soft plantings are all intended to provide a space where people can take a moment to pause and remember”.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Green Spaces at Leeds City Council, joined YAA Chairman Mike Harrop to officially cut the yellow ribbon attached to the garden’s pergola, declaring the Reflection and Remembrance Garden open to the public.

During the event, YAA volunteers Tracy Gregory and Scott Housley shared deeply personal speeches, highlighting the impact of the emergency response charity’s work. Tracy, who lost her partner in a tragic motorbike accident in 2010, spoke of the solace the garden offers, hoping itprovides comfort to others who have experienced similar heartache.

Scott, who was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) nearly seven years ago following a serious fall while hiking up Ingleborough, the second-highest mountain in the Yorkshire Dales, stated, “I hope this garden becomes a community hub where people can share their stories and experiences together”.

YAA is looking forward to using the garden for future fundraising and awareness events as part of its ongoing mission to serve the people of Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance urges supporters to donate blood amidst national shortage

5 August 20242 August 2024 by Rebecca Selkirk

Yorkshires HEMS Paramedics warn ‘Your donation could be the difference between life and death for someone in need’.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is urging the public to donate blood in response to a national blood shortage, which has reached an Amber alert level. The shortage has been exacerbated by a recent cyber-attack on a London hospital and unfilled appointments at donor centres, particularly affecting O type blood stocks.

The NHS urgently needs donations from O negative and O positive donors, as these blood types are crucial for emergency medical services. O negative blood, known as the universal donor type, is especially crucial as it can be safely given to any patient, regardless of their blood type. Due to the short shelf life of blood, which is only 35 days, maintaining a steady supply is essential throughout the year.

YAA Operations Manager, Paul Holmes, highlighted the severity of the situation, he said, “The shortage of O type blood is critical. As a service that provides lifesaving
emergency care, we rely heavily on blood supplies to perform roadside
transfusions for patients facing life-threatening injuries. Without adequate
blood supplies, particularly O negative, which is universally compatible, our
ability to carry blood on board could be compromised, jeopardising patient
outcomes.“

Since the introduction of blood on board in 2017, YAA has been able to provide on-scene blood and plasma transfusions, significantly enhancing the care provided to patients in critical condition.

Between January 1st and August 1st, 2024, YAA has attended 808 patients, with 22 receiving crucial blood transfusions at the scene of an emergency. While this represents a small percentage (3%) of all patients treated, it emphasises the importance of having blood readily available for those in dire need. The recipients included 14 males and 8 females, ranging in age from 18 to over 75 years old. The most common incidents requiring blood transfusions were road traffic accidents and other trauma-related incidents, such as assaults and falls.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s blood is supplied by the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and delivered by the Supplies Department from Yorkshire Ambulance Service, using Credo Cube cool storage boxes to maintain the blood within a safe temperature range for up to 48 hours. If the blood is not used, it is returned to Pinderfields Hospital to be used during surgery and other essential procedures in the hospital.

Paul concluded, “Every donation has the potential to save a life. We strongly urge eligible donors to book appointments at their nearest donor centres immediately—your donation could indeed be the difference between life and death for someone in need.”

For more information on how to donate, please visit the NHS Blood and Transplant website or contact your local donor centre.