General

£1 million target almost reached

Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Huddersfield Town are delighted to announce that since it's inception in 2009, the Keep It Up campaign has raised an outstanding £964,000!

The Keep It Up campaign is a joint initiative between HTFC and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Money raised by the campaign is split equally between the Huddersfield Town Academy and the lifesaving charity.

The campaign was created in 2009 with the first fundraising event being a 22 man cycle ride from Huddersfield to Southend. Chairman Dean Hoyle, Club Ambassador Andy Booth and Commercial Director Sean Jarvis helped form the 22 man strong team and have been mainstays in the following three rides.

During the four years since the aforementioned bike ride, there have been a further three 'Pedal for Pounds' bike rides, two 'Walk for Pounds' events, three Christmas celebrations, various recycling schemes and over 100 individual fundraising campaigns, which have all contributed to the amazing total.

Last season's bike ride – P4P4 – raised a staggering £190,000 with over a quarter of a million raised in total during the 2012/13 season!

Huddersfield Town Supporter Partnerships Manager Robyn Deegan – who has overseen the planning and running of many KIU events – thanked all the people who have helped achieve the total. It wouldn't have been possible for us to put on the large scale events that we have, without the help of the Club’s generous fans, sponsors and partners,” she said. “We are indebted to them for all their support over the years. Our goal is still to raise £1m and we are confident that we will smash the target next season.

“On behalf of the Club and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

Robyn is pictured above with Sean Jarivs, Dean Hoyle, Jez Pinnell, Steve Cobb, John Baxter, Paul Gowland, Katie Collinson and Andy Booth.

The £964,000 raised goes towards purchasing equipment, coaching costs and the general running fees for Town’s Academy; while the money is used by the YAA for running costs and maintenance of the charity’s two life-saving helicopters.

The next organised KIU event is set to be the 2013/14 ‘Walk for Pounds’, details of which will appear on htafc.com over the next couple of weeks.

To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/keepitupcampaign

On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At for Yorkshire Day!

A star-studded new version of On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘At featuring a rap by a film star has been released today, on Yorkshire Day, to showcase the county worldwide.

The track is Yorkshire’s own national anthem and has been reworked to breathe life into the piece of cultural heritage.

It follows an initial campaign by music teacher and musical director, Gordon Eddison from Otley, to raise awareness of the anthem after it was suggested only 10 per cent of young people in the UK’s biggest county were even aware of the song.

The new version features a collection of Yorkshire stars; it includes a rap by film and stage actor Brian Blessed, vocals by soprano Lesley Garrett and singer/songwriter Alistair Griffin, music from the Grimethorpe Colliery Band and vocals from the Yorkshire choir Rock Up and Sing.

X Factor singer and Yorkshire Regiment soldier Jonjo Kerr also features on the track and profits will go to the Heroes Children Fund charity (of which Jonjo is a patron), the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Yorkshire Regiment’s charity.

It has been produced by Artistic Producer on The X-Factor, Eliot Kennedy. The Sheffield-based songwriter has written and recorded with some of the world’s biggest acts including Take That and the Spice Girls.

Eliot Kennedy said: “When you get down to it, it’s actually a beautiful song – a gorgeous folk song that you can’t help but sing along to. It’s been in my head all the time since we started this project. I hope this version with a modern twist will take it to a new, younger audience.”

Gary Verity, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “This is a great chance for us all to breathe new life into Yorkshire’s very own national anthem. It’s a fun, collaborative mix with plenty of twists on the original. We hope it will capture the hearts of not only everyone in Yorkshire but also the UK and worldwide.”

The project has been commissioned by Welcome to Yorkshire with support from Bradford Council and created and managed by Harrogate agency Cause UK.

The track will be available to download on Yorkshire Day (August 1) on iTunes and a video is available to watch on You Tube at www.youtube.com/user/welcometoyorkshire

Video link: www.youtube.com/user/welcometoyorkshire

Twitter handle: @WELCOME2YORKS

Hashtag: #yorkshireanthem

South Yorkshire grandmother Carol Bradbury has more reasons than most to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Three years ago she was excitedly helping her daughter Carrie prepare for her wedding. But just a fortnight before the big day Carrie and her two children were hit by a car.

Carrie, 39, suffered horrific, multiple injuries and because she had lost so much blood was flown to Leeds General Infirmary by air ambulance. Her children followed by land ambulance.

She spent a month in hospital after breaking her neck, back, pelvis, several ribs, both legs, right shoulder blade and her right arm. She also suffered a punctured lung and tore all her right knee ligaments.

Carol’s grandson Maxwell, now 6, received a blow to the head and then nine-month-old Scarlett suffered broken ribs, pelvis and a lacerated liver.

Carol, 62, from Penistone, said: “It was a real shock. I was initially told they were all fine and so to see Carrie in hospital all smashed to smithereens and Scarlett in bed looking so poorly was just awful. But Carrie was amazing, so determined to get home as soon as possible. Despite her injuries, she has always had such a positive attitude and her recovery has been remarkable.”

However, just six months after the accident the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was again called out – this time to help Carrie’s husband-to-be Stephen who came off his bike while training for a triathlon.

Fortunately, his injuries were not serious enough to warrant a flight to hospital and the couple eventually got married nine months later. “The air ambulance is something that you hope never to use and I never thought we would,” said Carrie of Morley.

“My accident could have been a lot worse and to be honest it was harder for Steve because he basically had to be a single parent for two months, as well as having to deal with postponing our wedding. The air ambulance crew were so fantastic and we as a family really wanted to do something to show our appreciation.”

Carol is now a voluntary fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the South of the region, while daughter Carrie is a fundraising ambassador for the charity in West Yorkshire. Carol also gives talks about the work of the YAA that incorporates her family’s first hand experience and their subsequent fundraising.

She added: “We just feel we want to put something back. The air ambulance is a service which is there for everyone and is totally dependent on donations and fund raising activities.

“I have always done charity work but this is a charity that is particularly close to my heart now. I did not realize the YAA receive no Government funding but it is so well run and I am more than happy to tell as many people as possible why they deserve our support.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which has transported more than 5,000 people to hospital since taking to the skies in 2000, provides a rapid response emergency service to five million people across Yorkshire – England’s largest region.

It needs to raise £9,900 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air – equivalent to £3.6 million per year.

The YAA are available to give talks to groups and organisations across the region. Anyone interested in hearing Carol or any of the YAA staff give a talk about the work of the life-saving charity should contact Charity HQ on 01422 237900.

The cyclists and support team that took part in the Pink Link Pedal For Pounds 4 (P4P4) 'Tour of Yorkshire' descended upon Canalside on Thursday evening (25th July) to celebrate their achievements.

The reunion for everyone involved in the four day fundraising bike ride was also attended by a very special guest – the Yorkshire Air Ambulances's G-SASH helicopter, which landed on the pitches at Town's training ground at 7.45pm. Aboard G-SASH were the YAA's Chief Pilot Steve Cobb, alongside Doctor Jez Pinnell and Aircrew Paramedic John Baxter, the latter two who were cyclists in the 240 miles bike ride.

The cyclists, grouped together in their teams from the ride, were invied to take photos alongside the helicopter, which had made the special journey from Leeds Bradford Airport to greet the 'Keep It Up' campaign fundraisers.

The event them moved inside into Canalside's Radcliffe Suite, where presentations were made to the team leaders, sponsors and support teams; each received with a photo memento for the ride. Chairman Dean Hoyle and Commercial Director Sean Jarvis delivered speeches, reminiscing on their best and worst memories from the Tour of Yorkshire bike ride, which raised funds for both the YAA charity and the Huddersfield Town Academy. The YAA's Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland then gave thanks from the charity, which now needs to raise £9,990 per day to keep it's two lifesaving helicopters maintained and in the air.

Huddersfield Town's Commercial Director Sean Jarvis commented: "It was fantastic to see so many people at Canalside on Thursday night for the Pedal for Pounds 4 reunion. I believe it is a testament to the camaraderie that is built during the ride that so many people attended.

I was very proud to be a part of the four day bike ride and I hope every cyclist, member of the support team and person that has donated even a penny to the 'Keep It Up' campaign is equally as proud of the difference we are making across our region.

It was a brilliant touch from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance that the helicopter came down on the evening. Sadly we've seen several high profile examples of just how important a service the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is across the country recently, which brings home just how important the 'Keep It Up' campaign is."

With a £1 million target already announced for the 'Keep It Up' campaign, full details of the amount raised so far will be given on Yorkshire Day; Thursday 1st August.

Abseiling, bowling and a Christmas party helped the former Mayor of Wakefield raise more than £16,000 for charity.

Coun Elaine Blezard raised £16,566.03 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and other charities during her time as ayor from May 2012 to May 2013.

The money was raised through activities and events including an abseil down Wakefield Cathedral, a bowling night and a Christmas party. Coun Blezard also received donations for her various organisations.

A special event was held at Wakefield Town Hall earlier this month where she presented the cheques to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and other local charities. She thanked everyone involved and also her family for their support. She said: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and commitment in helping us raise this money for such a worthwhile cause.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as mayor and it was a huge privilege to be asked and a great honour to represent the district.”

The Original Factory Shop Hornsea store have chosen to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance throughout 2013

Through their 'Make A Difference in Your Community Scheme' each store chose a local charity or cause to support and aim to raise a minimum of £500 over a period of 12 months through a series of fundraising events.

They first launched the campaign in 2010 and were inundated with communities nominating their favourite causes, through the hard work and commitment from the stores and the wonderful communities getting involved they were able to raise and donate more than £100,000 to our specially selected partners.

The address for the Hornsea store is Unit 1, 63-69 Newbegin, Hornsea, HU18 1PB

Rekorderlig Cider, Wilby Limited and Yorkshire Air Ambulance logos proudly displayed

For the second consecutive season, the official training range of Huddersfield Town will carry the logos of three of Town's most valued partners.

As the players train in Spain this week as their build-up to the 2013/14 Championship campaign continues, their new PUMA training tops will be adorned with the logos of Main Club Sponsor Rekorderlig Cider, Wilby Limited and charity partner Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Rekorderlig's logo is now a very familiar one to Town fans, having featured on the front of the famous blue and white striped home shirt throughout the 2012/13 season. It will once again appear on the front of Town's new PUMA home shirts in the forthcoming campaign as it enters the second year of a three season deal.

Wilby Limited, an independent insurance broker based in Halifax, has just entered its fifth season of partnership with 'The Yorkshire Club'. Their logo has previously appeared on the back of Town's home shirts too.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is Town's longest standing official charity partner. Together the two organisations created the innovative 'Keep It Up' campaign in 2009; a scheme that will soon reach a total of £1 million raised for the charity and the Club's Academy.

Huddersfield Town's Commercial Director Sean Jarvis commented: “I believe that the three companies featuring on our training range during the 2013/14 season are a terrific cross section of the businesses that support the Club.

“Rekorderlig Cider is an international brand, based in Sweden, but it has experienced a tangible increase in sales of their product in the Huddersfield area thanks to its partnership with Huddersfield Town.

“Equally, the Club needs the support of local businesses to thrive and we’re delighted that Wilby Limited is now entering its fifth successive season as an official club partner.

“Huddersfield Town is equally proud of its contribution to the community as well as its business acumen and the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a pioneering scheme that is now being echoed across all forms of sport.

“The Club is proud to display all three logos on the front of the training range throughout the 2013/14 season.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance have welcomed a new Community Fundraiser to it's team in West Yorkshire. Lisa Blezard has recently joined the Charity and will become a familiar face across fundraising events in the West of the region.

Lisa, 30, who is from Brown Green in Normanton was previously an information systems officer for Wakefield District Council. She is one of a small team of fundraisers working for YAA across Yorkshire which needs to raise £9,990 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air.

She will be working with West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser Kerry Garner, by representing the Charity at events and coordinating its volunteers’ activities throughout the area.

Kerry commented “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Lisa to the team, and I’m really looking forward to working with her. We have a hugely busy summer planned attending events including fetes, galas, shows and various other fundraising activities so there is plenty to keep us busy.”

The Charity, which has transported more than 5,000 people to hospital since taking to the skies in 2000, provides a rapid response emergency service to five million people across Yorkshire – England’s largest region

Picture caption: Lisa Blezard who is the new West Yorkshire Community Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

It's Lance – the new Yorkshire Air Ambulance mascot!

Meet 'Lance the Air AmbuLance', Yorkshire Air Ambulance's new mascot who has been named after a countywide school competition.

The winning entry was chosen from scores of entries to find a name for the new face of the emergency rapid response charity.

It came from nine year-old Leah Cordall, a pupil at Grove Lee Primary School in Hemsworth, West Yorkshire. She wanted to call the helicopter mascot Lance because: “It’s catchy and easy to remember – LANCE the AmbuLance.”

Leah got the chance to meet ‘Lance’ and the YAA crew when she visited Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s base at Leeds/Bradford Airport with her proud Mum Louise and Dad Mick as part of her prize. Louise said: “Leah was just over the moon when she realized she had won the competition.

“It has been great to see the helicopter up close and to meet the paramedics and pilot. We can’t believe that this vital service is totally funded by charitable donations.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new mascot was named after a countywide primary schools competition that was run by the charity through its website and social media channels. The move follows the retirement last summer of their previous mascot Bernie Bear, who was the face of the independent charity for ten years.

Abby McClymont, YAA Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “We were overwhelmed by the fantastic response to the competition and would like to thank all the children who entered. It was a really tough decision but we all agree ‘Lance’ is just right for our new mascot who will be known as AmbuLANCE. It’s a really cool name that ties in so well with the Ambulance link and Lance will be kept very busy over the coming months at shows, fetes and events throughout the region.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing a rapid response emergency service to five million people across Yorkshire – England’s largest region. It needs to raise £9,900 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air and maintained.

Picture caption: AmbuLANCE with competition winner Leah Cordall and YAA Paramedic Leon Baranowski

More than £9,000 has been raised for air ambulance services at the Antony Capstick Memorial Charity Ball at Skipton's Rendezvous Hotel.

It was held to mark the second anniversary of Anton's death in a motorbike accident on the Isle of Man. it was organised by his widow, Jane, who celebrated his life with 251 guests.

Known as Clopper, Antony was a former Wharfedale rugby player and worked at Sutcliffe Construction in Hellifield. He wass just 36 when he died. Jane said "Although I know he will never be forgotten, I felt I wanted to do something to mark the two-year anniversary and to get all his close friends together."

The ball included a raffle prize and auction, with prizes including a England International signed rugby shirt, spa day, a tea towel signed by the cast of Emmerdale, dinner at The Fountaine Inn at Linton and signed photographs by the Craven Herald's award winning photographer Stephen Garnett. Guests also enjoyed a three course dinner and live music from local band Undercover.

Jane also commented "I'd like to thank everyone for coming to the ball and for their continued love and support over the last two years, particularly my mum, Wendy Pratt. Between us, we managed to raise a total of £9,085.19. I have been astonished by the generosity of people."

The money will be split between the Isle of Man Air Ambulance who went to Antony's aid following his accident and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which is highly supported by Wharfedale RUFC.

Pictured is Jane Capstick with Tony Doveston, North Yorkshire Regional Manager of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and RFU president John Spencer.

Yorkshire’s helicopter heroes have airlifted their 5,000th patient.

The landmark mission by Yorkshire Air Ambulance saw badly injured musician Chris Parr airlifted to hospital after a head-on road accident.

Chris, a drummer with Huddersfield band State of Confusion, suffered broken ribs, a fractured breast bone and a fractured knee in the two-car smash at Marsden, near Huddersfield.

The 48 year-old was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary after being cut free from the wreckage of his car by firefighters.

YAA was set up 13 years ago and operates two air ambulances from bases in North and West Yorkshire providing a life saving emergency response service to five million people across England’s largest region.

To keep both helicopters in the air, the charity needs to raise £9,990 per day, equivalent to £3.6 million per year.

Their 5,000th patient had the chance to thank YAA paramedics Sammy Willis and John Baxter when they visited him in at home where he is recovering from his injuries.

“I could not believe how quick the response was to the accident and all the emergency services were just fantastic,” said Chris who has been playing the Huddersfield music circuit for over 15 years.

“The air ambulance crew were just brilliant, supporting me and keeping me calm throughout the flight and I can’t thank them enough.

“It is amazing to think I am the 5,000th patient they have helped. The air ambulance does such a vital job and I’m so grateful to them.”

The only support YAA receives is through the secondment of their paramedics from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Demand for the air emergency response service is increasing. Last year the YAA attended a total of 933 incidents, and in turn transported 431 patients directly to hospital for treatment – up from 376 patients the previous year.

A YAA spokeswoman said: “The charity was set up in 2000 with a second air ambulance launched in 2007. It is just incredible to think we have flown 5,000 patients.

“This is an amazing achievement, which couldn't happen without the wonderful support we receive from Yorkshire people and businesses.

“So we would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to everyone who helps us to keep saving lives in Yorkshire.”

Photo shows YAA paramedics John Baxter and Sammy Wills visit the charity emergency service's 5000th patient Chris Parr.

Buying free range eggs really could help to save lives as James Potter pledges to donate 1p from every dozen James Potter eggs sold to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The company expects to raise £15,000 through sales over the next 12 months, which is equivalent to keeping Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s two helicopters in the air for almost two days, or paying the VAT on the charity’s fuel usage for the next three years, based on last year’s figures.

The partnership was launched by Yorkshire Farmhouse Director, James Potter and MP for Thirsk, Malton and Filey, Anne McIntosh who welcomed one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s to the farm recently.

James Potter has more than 200,000 free range hens at Yorkshire Farmhouse and together they will be raising vital funds to keep the charity’s helicopters and team airborne and rescuing lives.

Director James Potter said: “This region has one of the best air ambulance services in the country, which receives no public funding. Through this partnership we want to do all we can to help keep the two ambulances in the air so that the charity can continue providing its life-saving service.”