General

The 14 soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment began a five day charity cycle ride at York’s Barbican Centre to raise cash for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Soldier’s Charity (formerly the Army Benevolent Fund).

The soldiers from the Regiment’s Light Aid Detachment will be cycling an average of 100 miles a day on static cycles aiming to achieve a total of 5098 miles (8206 Kilometres) over five days. The distance is from the Snooker International Championships in Chengdu, China to the UK Championship in York.

“I am full of admiration for these guys and I realise they have another three or 4,000 miles to go but I have a sweat on just watching them,” said Willie, a TV and radio commentator for all major snooker championships including the World Snooker Championship..

Willie Thorne was a regular in the Top 16 World Ranking players for over a decade and is one of the top record breakers for the highest number of 147 breaks in the history of snooker (190), earning him his nickname "Mr Maximum".

“The Light Aid Detachment wanted to organise a charity event for these two worthwhile causes and as we are interested in Snooker and cycling decided to do a charity cycle at the York Barbican,” said Corporal Daniel Custus, the organiser.

“It has been great for Willie, who is a legend in Snooker, to come and cycle a couple of kilometres to support us – we have really appreciated it.”

The Light Aid Detachment is based in Imphal Barracks in Fulford York and maintains and repairs all kinds of mechanical equipment from weapons and Land Rovers to Signals equipment.

The stuff you don’t want is top of the Christmas list for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The rapid response emergency charity has made a festive fund raising plea for people to bag up any unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, curtains and bedding and donate them through their successful recycling campaign.

“The lead up to the festive season and the Christmas period itself is a really good time to have a clear-out of those wardrobes and drawers,” said Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) Partnership Manager Katie Collinson.

“And filling a recycling sack is a Christmas gift that doesn’t cost people any money but means so much to us.”

The YAA, which provides a rapid response emergency service to five million people, needs to raise £12,000 each day to keep its two helicopters flying – equivalent to £4.4m a year.

Recyling provides a massive cash boost for the charity. Since launching its recycling scheme ten years ago with partner the BIU Group, a staggering £2.3 million has been donated to the YAA from bags of unwanted clothes, shoes and household textiles.

Staff at Portakabin’s headquarters in Huntington, York, have been bagging up their unwanted items and recently donated the equivalent of 15, 20kg suitcases to YAA – the company’s chosen charity of the year.

Katie added: “We would like to say a huge thank you to all our supporters who have donated their unwanted items to us and made such a massive difference.

“Once again the generosity of Yorkshire people just takes our breath away. We have a brilliant relationship with our recycling partners Bag It Up, and all the recycled material we collect adds up to around £200,000 a year!”

The charity has more than 250 recycling textile banks at household waste sites, supermarkets and car parks across Yorkshire. You can find out where your nearest bank is by either going to the YAA website (www.yaa.org.uk) or by calling 01422 237900.

Asda staff and shoppers across Yorkshire have given the Yorkshire Air Ambulance a bumper Christmas present.

During 2014, the supermarket’s 23 stores in the region have raised a whopping £90,933 for the life saving charity.

And Asda is confident the amazing generosity of their employees and customers will help them reach £100,000 by the end of the year.

Money has been raised through a wide range of activities and events – from skydives to sponsored bag packing, tins on the tills, in-store Yorkshire Day and Grand Depart celebrations, sponsored walks, raffles and the sale of YAA merchandise.

The Asda staff were also delighted to unveil their logo which is now carried on both of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopters as a thank you for all of their fundraising efforts.

Lisa Stagg, Community Life champion at Asda Wakefield, said: “We are a Yorkshire based business and this is a fantastic charity that does an amazing job saving lives across Yorkshire every day but relies totally on public donations.

“A couple of Asda colleagues have actually required the help of the service, so it is a charity that is close to our hearts, and we are delighted to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is an independent rapid response charity, which has carried more than 5,800 people in its 14-year history. It needs to raise £9,900 every day to keep its two helicopters in the air and maintained.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

The money raised comes on top of a donation of just over £53,000 made to the YAA last year after a summer fundraising campaign by 17 Asda stores across Yorkshire.

Kerry Garner, YAA regional fundraiser, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of Asda, their store staff and amazing customers across Yorkshire.

“Given we are an independent charity, we rely on organisations such as Asda and their customers to help us raise the vital funds we need. We really cannot thank them enough.” 

It’s time to get back on your bike as Huddersfield Town has today announced that the sixth annual ‘Pedal for Pounds’ bike ride, sponsored by club partner Orchard Energy, is a go!

The two day ride will start at Victoria Tower on Castle Hill in Almondbury at 10am on Friday 1 May 2015, with that day finishing 70 miles away at Blackpool Tower.

On Saturday 2 May 2015, after the Terriers’ final game of the Sky Bet Championship season against the Seasiders, the ride will set off from the Bloomfield Road Stadium and cycle back to the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.

The ride will be 140 miles in total and will see supporters and staff raising funds for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign, the Club’s fundraising partnership between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy.

Huddersfield Town Chairman Dean Hoyle commented:

“The last game of the season is always a really exciting one and it will be great having the cyclists descending en masse over the Pennines to Blackpool for the sixth annual ride!

“The ‘Pedal for Pounds’ bike rides have taken on a life of their own and we want as many Town fans as possible to be able to have the experience of taking part. We appreciate that not everyone can commit to four days off work or stay away from their families for a prolonged period, which is why this year’s ride is over two days. It’s something a bit different to what we’ve done before but it’s still 70 miles per day, which is a real challenge.

“I would urge anyone who may have thought about taking part in the past to bite the bullet and go for it; you won’t regret it!”

Orchard Group Managing Director Gareth Henderson said he was “extremely proud” that Orchard would be stepping up its support for Pedal for Pounds this time around to become the title sponsor of the event.

“This is a fantastic charity event that brings Huddersfield Town supporters together and raises an incredible amount of money every year.

“I would urge as many people as possible to get involved. As a Pedal for Pounds veteran I know just how much of a challenge it is for everyone who takes part but when the going gets tough, the team spirit and the knowledge that every penny raised is making a real difference make it all worthwhile.”

If you would like to take part in the ‘Pedal for Pounds 6’ bike ride, please download a sign-up form and medical form from:http://bit.ly/13MiV7E and return both, along with your £35 registration fee (non-refundable; covers ride cycling jersey, bike and bag tags, ride insurance, ‘I Completed’ t-shirt and water, sandwich and snacks on both days).

Forms can be posted FAO Robyn Deegan, HTAFC, the John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX or handed in at main reception or the Ticket Office windows. Cheques should be made out to the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign.

The deadline date for entries is 12 January 2015.

The Club’s previous ‘Pedal for Pounds’ bike rides have contributed over £750,000 to the £1million raised for the campaign so far since its inception in 2009.

For more information please contact Supporter Partnerships Manager Robyn Deegan at robyn.deegan@htafc.com

A Sheffield student who was seriously injured in an horrific motorbike accident is urging everyone in South Yorkshire to support a special fundraising campaign this month for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Shona Fraser suffered multiple injuries in the August 1 crash on the Dearne Valley bypass. The 21 year-old graphic design student at Sheffield Hallam University was airlifted by Yorkshire Air Ambulance to the Northern General Hospital.

Shona, from Lodge Moor, said: “Quite simply if it wasn’t for the air ambulance and the brilliant paramedics I would not have made it.

“They were there so quickly, and got me to the trauma centre within minutes and I can’t thank them enough for what they did for me and what they do every week for people across Yorkshire.”

Motobike-mad Shona was riding with a friend to Escrick, near York, to make her debut at the popular Yorkshire Pudding Rally when the accident happened.

“A lorry infront flashed a guy out from a layby who decided to do a U-turn instead of joining the traffic flow. I was only doing about 30 to 35mph but had no time at all to put my brakes on or get out of the way. I went straight into the driver’s door. When the air ambulance arrived the bike was still stuck in the door.”

Shona’s horrific injuries included a broken pelvis, a badly fractured thigh, two broken wrists, several broken ribs, internal bleeding, a collapsed lung, fractured eye socket and a broken jaw.

After three weeks in hospital the courageous student began her long recovery at home with a metal frame pinning her shattered pelvic bones together. That has now come out and with physiotherapy and determination Shona is gradually recovering.

To say thank-you to the helicopter heroes who saved her life, Shona organised a charity bike night at the MotoDemon Speed Shop in Rotherham, which raised nearly £700 for the rapid response emergency charity.

With further donations from family and friends that figure is now £900 and Shona is urging people across South Yorkshire to back the 175 Challenge.

Organisations including businesses, schools and football clubs have signed up to raise at least £175 in 175 hours between November 8 and 15.

The challenge forms part of a fundraising campaign launched by Sheffield-based healthcare company B. Braun Medical – celebrating 175 years in business – for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has carried more than 5,800 people in its 14-year history and has to raise £9,990 every day – that’s £3.6 million a year – to keep the life-saving service going.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

To sign up to The 175 Challenge, email YAA South Yorkshire Fundraiser Mark Perry on m.perry@yaa.org.uk or call 07768 175727

The team that produced the hit BBC Helicopter Heroes series, following the work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, has won a major award.

The BBC Yorkshire team scooped the prestigious Guild of Air Pilots (GAPAN) Award for Aviation Journalism 2014 after being nominated by Yorkshire Air Ambulance Chief Pilot Andy Lister.

Led by Network Editor Ian Cundall, who picked up the award with Series Producer Andy Joynson, the team has made 130 programmes over eight years with the rapid response emergency charity.

All are qualified aircrew, able to navigate and operate the communication system on the YAA's two MD 902 helicopters. They have flown more than 3,000 HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) missions.

In recommending them for the award Capt Lister said: "The team’s work has contributed to greater public understanding of many issues facing HEMS crews …they've shown a very high level of commitment to flight safety and members have displayed high standards of airmanship throughout their time with the YAA.

"In a world where journalists are often criticised for their lack of understanding of aviation issues and, sometimes, a tendency to over-dramatise on TV, the Helicopter Heroes team is a shining exception. Few journalists or broadcasters can justifiably claim to have helped others save lives in the air."

The Guild is one of most influential bodies in world aviation and the annual Air Pilot awards honour outstanding courage, achievement and the highest standards of airmanship around the world.

Alongside the Helicopter Heroes team at the prestigious ceremony at London's Guildhall were the crew of a Cathay Pacific Airbus flight who saved their aircraft after a double engine failure and a RAF Chinook chopper team who braved sustained gunfire to rescue soldiers surrounded by Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

Ian Cundall, who received the Award for Aviation Journalism from HRH Prince Michael of Kent, said: “We are truly honoured to have been nominated by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to be receive this amazing award.

“Helicopter Heroes has been a real labour of love for all those who have worked on the programme.”

Among those also receiving Air Pilot Awards were military aircrew, test pilots, flying instructors, private pilots and newly qualified trainees. All have been chosen by fellow pilots for their commitment to the highest flying standards.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance has carried more than 5,800 people in its 14-year history and has to raise £9,990 every day – that’s £3.6 million a year – to keep the life-saving service going.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

A North Yorkshire teenager who broke her back in a head-on car crash has raised over £2,000 to say thank-you to the air ambulance crew that rescued her.

Natasha Sedgwick was driving to Richmond Six Form College on a summer morning last July when a Mercedes van came round a blind corner on the wrong side of the road and hit her car head-on.

“The car was pushed up onto a high verge and then bounced back so I was jolted around a lot,” said Natasha of Street Lane, Pickhill. “I knew it was bad because I was in a lot of pain.

“I saw smoke coming from the front of the car and wanted to get out but I couldn’t and had to be cut out by firemen – I just remember being surrounded by lots of firemen.”

Natasha, 18, was flown by Yorkshire Air Ambulance to the James Cook Memorial Hospital, Middlesbrough, where she was found to have broken her back and four ribs.

“The crew were just fabulous, kept me smiling and I couldn’t believe how quick the flight was,” she added. “My Mum and sister drove to the hospital and said how strange it was to see the air ambulance fly past knowing I was in it.

“I got the chance to go to the air ambulance base and meet the crew to say thank you and they thought I would be arriving in a wheelchair, which made me realise how fortunate I’ve been.”

To say thank-you to the helicopter heroes, Natasha swam 100 lengths of Bedale Swimming Pool in a remarkable sponsored challenge that has so raised over £2,000 for the rapid response emergency charity.

Natasha, who used to be a keen basketball player, went through months of treatment and physiotherapy and had to wear a backboard everyday for six months.

But showing great determination, she returned to College to complete her A levels and has just started work as a receptionist with an architectural practice.

This has forced Natasha to get behind wheel of a car again: “That has been the hardest thing, it was like learning to drive all over again,” she added.

“It’s been a really tough year and I was quite down at times but my Mum and family have been great and I’ve learnt to be positive and the accident has really changed my attitude to life.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has carried more than 5,800 people in its 14-year history and has to raise £9,990 every day – that’s £3.6 million a year – to keep the life-saving service going.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

On behalf of the Old Brodleians rugby club and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance we would like to invite you to a fundraising event that is taking place here at Woodhead Park.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance helicopter will be landing at the Brods at noon on Saturday 8th November – ahead of the 1st team cup match against Bradford Salem.

It promises to be a unique day at the club as members, friends and those from the local community are invited to meet the pilots and see the famous yellow helicopter up close.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is the Brods official charity partner for two years and during that time the club has supported the charity’s awareness drive and pledged to raise an ambitious fundraising total of over £9990. As a result, we’ve place their logo on the first team kit, on boards around the main pitch and have so far raised over £4000 from events such as the annual Golf Day, charity matches and the Great Glen Challenge in which a number of our senior players took part last July.

The target of £9990 was chosen as that is the daily cost that must be found to keep their essential service operational.

So 'save the date' to meet the pilots, get your photo with the helicopter and throw any loose change into their buckets!

The first team cup fixture against Bradford Salem will kick off shortly after at 2.15pm and the usual gate charges will be suspended for the day. The gate will still be manned as usual in the hope that people will donate the normal entry fee to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Two leading charities in the region have received a cash boost thanks to the pedal power of a national property consultancy.

Teams from the Carter Jonas Yorkshire offices at Harrogate, Leeds, York and Boroughbridge were among 300 riders who took part in the Yorkshire Post-backed Yorkshire Pedalthon, raising £9,500 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance – enough to keep the helicopter in the air for a day and potentially saving up to three lives. The Pedalthon also raised £4,500 for sustainable transport charity Sustrans.

David Boulton and David Aspland, both partners at Carter Jonas helped plan the event, with David Boulton completing the 80 mile Yorkshire Challenge, the gruelling alternative to the 40-mile Scenic Route. Paul Berwin, senior partner at Berwins Solicitors in Harrogate – the event’s main sponsor – also completed the 80 mile course with some of his team.

Paul Berwin said: “Despite the unrelenting rain, it was a fantastic day, bringing together business colleagues from throughout the country. We’re delighted to have played our part in supporting two such deserving charities.”

Carter Jonas plans to make the Pedalthon a regular event in the region and the 2015 ride is already scheduled for May 8. It will raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Land Aid as a legacy event of the Grand Depart.

Says David Boulton: “There will be new routes, including a long ride of about 70 miles and a shorter ride of about 40 miles. Routes will be confirmed and registration will open in November and we are aiming to attract 450-500 riders.

“Iconic Cycling Events will be organising the 2015 challenge on our behalf and we are inviting firms to join Carter Jonas as partners and sponsors to maximise the benefit of their involvement.”

This year’s event was sponsored by Yorkshire-based Berwins Solicitors, chartered building surveyors Crowther Turnbull Booth and wind turbine specialists Earthmill. Supporters included the Yorkshire Post, Welcome to Yorkshire, Ripley Castle, Black Sheep Brewery, Heck Food, Yorkshire Provender, Brymor Ice Cream and Exquisite Handmade Cakes, English Heritage, Cycle Sense, CoStar Group and Ripon Land Rover.

For further details visit www.yorkshirepedalthon.co.uk  

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is flying high after backing a winner at last month’s showcase Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse.

The rapid response emergency charity collected over £10,800 from ticket sales, a bucket collection, auction and raffle prizes on the Friday of the four-day meeting.

Katie Collinson, Partnerships Manager at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), said:

“We cannot thank Doncaster Racecourse enough for the tremendous support they have given us.

“It’s a fantastic day in the charity marquee and over the last four years of our partnership we have raised around £48,000 which represents a really valuable income stream for the charity.

“The Leger is not only a highlight in South Yorkshire’s social calendar, it’s a firm date in our annual calendar and we are always looking to welcome new faces to the Charity marquee.”

The YAA has carried more than 5,700 people in its 14-year history. The charity has to raise £9,990 every day to keep its two helicopters flying – equivalent to £3.6 million a year.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Mark Edwards, Racing Sales Coordinator Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with Yorkshire Air Ambulance; to help raise funds which are vital to the running of this life saving emergency service.

“By associating the Yorkshire Air Ambulance with our prestigious St Leger Festival, we are able to raise awareness for the worthy cause and we are looking forward to supporting them again in 2015”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is appealing for more volunteers in the Todmorden area to help them raise more awareness and funds.

The distinctive yellow helicopter is an increasingly regular feature in the local skies. Last year 14 people living in or visiting the Todmorden area were flown to hospital by the emergency rapid response charity.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser Kerry Garner said: "We are attending an increasing number of incidents in the Calder Valley area and volunteers play a pivotal role in raising awareness and making it as easy as possible for people who want to support us.

"It’s important that we’re out more in local communities making sure we have a presence at local events, telling people what we do, and why their support is so vital.”

The emergency rapid response charity – which has to raise £9,990 every day to keep its two helicopters flying – is looking for volunteers to help in a variety of ways – from running stalls and attending events to giving talks and collecting tins.

Janet Wright, from Todmorden, has supported the YAA for many years and became a registered volunteer for the charity three years ago.

“Local people really appreciate having the Yorkshire Air Ambulance as the nearest hospitals are over 20 miles away by road,” said Janet, 61, from Woodfield Street.

"The speed that the helicopter can reach people and then take them to the best hospital for their injury or illness is just fantastic.

“I know some people say the Government should pay for the service but this is such a brilliant local charity.”

Janet previously supported the YAA by selling charity merchandise in her Todmorden café. Now retired she has more time to help and added: “Volunteering is very rewarding and you get to meet some lovely people. You can do as much or as little as you want and your efforts are really appreciated.”

The charity is looking for individuals, couples or small groups of friends to become community event fundraisers, running stalls at local events.

There is also a need for public speakers to give talks to local groups, schools, clubs and organisations as well as volunteers to accept donations on behalf of the YAA and make a small speech when required.

You could also help the charity by doing supermarket collections and bag packing or managing collection tins and information points in your area.

A full introduction is given to any new volunteers as well as training. If you would like to find out more about volunteering contact Lisa Blezard by email l.blezard@yaa.org.uk or by calling Lisa on 07876 899 097.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance has carried more than 5,700 people in its 14-year history. The charity needs to raise £9,990 a day to keep its two helicopters in the air – equivalent to £3.6 million each year.

Without any direct government funding, the only help the charity receives is through the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Picture caption: Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteer Janet Wright (right) manning the charity’s stall at Hebden Bridge vintage car weekend.