General

The Wetherby Whaler group of fish and chip restaurants have raised more than £5,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The restaurants, located in Guiseley, Wetherby, York, Pudsey and Wakefield, adopted the YAA as one of their chosen charities and encouraged patrons to donate their loose change to the very worthwhile cause.

Philip and Janine Murphy entered the catering business in 1969 with a small fish and chip shop in Tadcaster. Twenty years later they acquired the original Wetherby Whaler in Wetherby and now also operate in Guiseley, York, Wakefield and Pudsey.

Janine Murphy said: "We always knew that our customers were special but this has been a fantastic response. It is very important that local businesses support charity initiatives and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance carries out vital work across the region. It is a real pleasure to be able to hand over a regular donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance from our generous patrons."

Kerry Garner, West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser at the YAA said: "The Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity are very grateful to have the support of the Wetherby Whaler Restaurants and to help to continue towards the £9990 needed every day to keep the helicopters flying and saving lives. As we are an independent charity, we do rely on donations such as this one, I would like to say a big thank you to the staff and customers for their generous support."

BSCP, the Leeds branch of engineering consultants GHA Livigunn, recently donated £3,750 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance from funds raised during the 10th GHA Livingunn Challenge.

The funds were raised through the popular GHA Livingunn Challenge, a bi-annual charity event compromising a weekend of grueling activities with teams raising as much money as possible for charity in exchange for the glory of being crowned challenge winners! In total £15,000 was raised and subsequently split across four charities, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance being chosen by the Leeds based team.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing a life saving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across Yorkshire. They fly seven days a week, 365 days a year, covering a vast landscape that not only includes major cities and motorways but also rural and isolated locations. The swift medical interventions provided by the air ambulance crews have a major impact on a patient's chance of survival and subsequent quality of life.

To keep providing this life saving service, the charity relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations, like BSCP, to help ensure the daily running costs of the helicopters are met. To keep both of Yorkshire's air ambulances in the air, the charity has to raise a staggering £3.6 million per year; with the donation from BSCP going some way to help ensure that this service can continue to operate.

Nicky Massen from Yorkshire Air Ambulance commented: "On behalf of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I would like to say a big thank you to the wonderful efforts of colleagues at the Leeds branch of GHA Livigunn for raising a fantastic amount of funds to keep our two air ambulance operational and saving lives."

Baxter Ireland, Director at BSCP, added: "Yorkshire Air Ambulance does tremendous work and we are delighted to be supporting such a worthwhile cause. The difference that the charity makes can literally be a case of life and death and we wanted to contribute to their efforts and show our recognition and aprreciation for the work they do across Yorkshire."

The sixth Annual East Riding YFC Charity Tractor Road Run held on Sunday 2nd June has been hailed as ‘their best ever’. For the first time ever over 100 tractors took to the roads in glorious sunshine in an effort to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance & R.A.B.I. (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution). Their efforts certainly paid off as the money raised currently stands at over £1920 which will be split between the two charities.

On Sunday morning the tractors assembled at Laburnum Farm, Etton near Beverley to set off on their 30 mile route. Tractors and drivers came from all parts of the East Riding including Driffield, Preston, Bridlington and Holme on Spalding Moor. Some travelled from further afield to take part in the sixth Annual Event.

Jenny Sleight, who helped to organise the event on behalf of East Riding YFC said “I love the fact that such a wide age range of people can share the same hobby. It is amazing to see such a wide range of tractors in all shapes and sizes!” Jenny showed gratitude to all who had helped with the event. “I would like to thank all the drivers, marshals and collectors for their support on the day, without them it would not be possible to hold the event.”

The run was led by John Sleight and as the tractors weaved their way round the country lanes they took in a number of villages and the tractors were greeted enthusiastically by people who had turned out to see them and support the charities. John said “I was really pleased that so many people turned out to see us. A lot of people really made an effort and it is always great to see so many people lining the roads in support and greeting us with a friendly wave.”

This year saw a number of repeat entrants who came back to support the run, they were also joined by a number of newcomers to the Road Run circuit taking part in their first ever Tractor Road Run. Gary Newborn, landlord at The Light Dragoon Inn, Etton took part in his first ever road run on John Sleight’s Nuffield 10/60 and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The Light Dragoon Inn provided refreshments for all the participants at the end of the run, Gary said “I’ve had such a great day and it’s my way of supporting the charities”. The organisers have paid tribute to such great local support as they see it as a key to their success.

Jenny went on to say “As we approached villages this year we blasted out The Wurzels over the loud speakers to announce the tractors’ arrival – this was very well received”. “The current total means we have now exceeded every other years total and raised over £8500 in the six years we have hosted the event – it really does make all the hard work worthwhile!” she added.

A determined team of cyclists travelled from London through Wharfedale ahead of a rugby match to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

The group set off from Richmond, West London, and arrived at Wharfedale Rugby Club at Threshfield just before the two teams played each other.

The cyclists were Robert Fort, Nick Gains, Tim Lockett, Ian Moulding, Jennie Routley, John Younger and Dave Townson, with John Dias and Alison Fort acting as a support team.

The stunt raised £6,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the club's chosen charity for the season. Tony Doveston, YAA's North Yorkshire Regional Fundraising Manager said: "A tremendous effort – our gratitude and admiration go to the organisers and riders, and of course to the rugby club for their wonderful support."

Pictured is Tony Doveston being presented the cheque from the Wharfedale cyclists

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) are facing increased daily running costs as it works to further improve its service and save more lives.

The charity, which up until now has needed £7200 every day to keep its two helicopters running, now needs to raise a further £2,790 each day, taking the new daily running cost to £9990 – equivalent to £3.6million each year.

The rise in operational costs comes as the charity, which receives no direct government funding, strives to implement further service improvements which would directly benefit the people of Yorkshire.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the YAA explains: “For the last five to six years we have been able to fix our daily running costs at £7200 each day, or the equivalent of £2.6million every year. However, we have not been immune to the challenging economic environment over the last few years and as a result, are seeing a major impact on our running costs. We have to pay utility bills like everyone else, and we’ve all seen an increase in those costs over the years. But mainly, we are seeing increasing operational costs – primarily fuel, premises, maintenance and other on-costs associated with operating two very large helicopters.”

Each year, both of our aircrafts have to undergo mandatory servicing in line with regulations – similar to our car going in for its service & MOT. However our helicopters are each grounded for 4 to 6 weeks as a result of this. Given the vast topography and area of Yorkshire, we cannot operate with just one helicopter for that length of time, so we have to budget to hire in a relief aircraft during these periods.

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.

Peter continues “We also have to plan for the future. At some point the replacement of our oldest helicopter, G-SASH will be necessary and a designated fund has been set up for such major purchases. At present, to replace G-SASH, the charity would be looking at something in the region of £6 – 8 million – which is a huge amount of money. This clearly illustrates why it is so important for us to financially plan & secure the future of the YAA.”

Operational advances in recent years have led to significant improvements to the YAA’s service. The charity now operates both its own helicopters through their own Air Operators Certificate which also allows it to employ its own pilots, which has lead to an increased number of available and actual flying hours for both of the helicopters. Their two air support units are equipped with state of the art technology and infrastructure, which enable the crews to respond to incidents in the quickest possible time.

This summer will also see a further advancement to the service when the charity will relocate from their current base at Leeds Bradford Airport to a new improved base at Nostell Priory near Wakefield.

Peter added: “The relocation to Nostell will enhance our service across the region. It will improve flying times to remote areas in West and South Yorkshire and will create an operational overlap in our busiest areas. Our new base will compliment or existing Northern base at RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk”

“These developments help underpin the fast, efficient service that we are able to provide. In summary, the increase in the annual income required reflects the cost of operational developments in recent years and also enables planned improvements to the service into the future. This prudent management of funds helps to ensure that we continue to provide a first class service to the people of Yorkshire and save more lives every year.”

“The charity is extremely aware that we would not be able to fund the running of the YAA without the help and support we receive from the people of Yorkshire. Everyday we are overwhelmed by the amazing support that is shown towards the charity, from donations and fundraising events to touching stories of how we have rescued friends and family members. We are unable to convey just how grateful we are to all those people who support us, and I will once again say it to everyone who supports our charity – thank you”

Peter concludes: “We are confident that we will be able to meet the new daily running cost of £9990, and with the support of the people of Yorkshire, we can continue to provide a state of the art, rapid response emergency service 365 days per year across the region.”

The man in charge of fundraising for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has spoken of the humbling experience of taking part in the Pedal For Pounds bike ride.

Paul Gowland, director of fundraising for the Elland based charity, praised the efforts of all those who took part in the 280 mile Tour de Yorkshire.

The ride, which finished on Saturday (4th May) at the John Smith’s Stadium, is set to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for Huddersfield Town’s Keep It Up campaign in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Club’s academy.

Paul, who raised £1,100 by taking part in the three day ride said: “The first two days were pretty good. The weather was nice and the ride was very well planned. The third day, we had the wind in our faces and from Scarborough we had a six mile climb up Sutton Bank. It was hard going and my knee ‘popped’. I was thinking, ‘this takes all the fun out of fundraising for me.’ But then a photographer was taking our pictures as we came down and the fun came back!”

Paul, who was joined by YAA’s chief pilot, Andy Lister, on the ride, said he was amazed to see Town flags and scarves hanging from windows in small villages on the route.

“With all the training for the ride, a group of friends did most of the work getting sponsorship for me,” he said. “Then at my local pub, the Shepherd’s Rest in Sowerby Bridge, they had organised a raffle and someone had donated the cash prize anonomously. It is very humbling the amount of support people have given – and I’m sure that’s the same for all the other riders.

I’d just like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part, and to remind people there’s still chance to donate.”

www.justgiving.com/Paul-Gowland-YAA

Generous residents in Knottingley have clubbed together to raise £2,000 in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Rockware Sports and Social Club on Weeland Road, has spent the past year raising much needed funds for the independent charity.

It was chosen by members of the club as its charity of the year and they have organised a number of events to help support its work.

Stewardess Sally Baines Said: "We've had all sorts of stuff going off to raise money. We've had various raffles, some people did Movember and grew moustaches. we also had a swear tin on the bar and there was about £400 in that."

The club also had a Christmas raffle to help raise money for the charity. Staff presented the cash to Yorkshire Air Ambulance last month. Mrs Baines added: "We didn't expect to raise this much at all. It's a great effort by everyone."

Kerry Garner, West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: "On behalf of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance I would like to say a big thank you to the club for raising a fantastic amount of money. It will go a long way towards keeping our two air ambulances saving lives."

The Leeds office of international legal practice, Squire Sanders has chosen to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2013, helping the charity to continue providing a life saving service to 5 million people across the region. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing a life saving rapid response emergency service to people across Yorkshire. With the county's varied topography it is often difficult for land ambulances to rescue individuals in remote locations or assist with major trauma cases, YAA however is on average only 10 minutes flying time from the nearest hospital and 15 minutes from the most relevant treatment centre. In many cases this speedy response can save lives. The charity has two air ambulances which operate from Leeds Bradford Airport and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk which cover the whole of the region. YAA is completely dependent upon the generosity of the public and has to raise a staggering £9990 per day in order to keep the air ambulances in the air. Lindsay Texel, Squire Sanders Partner and Head of the Leeds Charity Committe said: "So many lives are and continue to be touched by the fantastic work that the charity does. My colleagues here in Leeds appreciate how important the YAA's work is as they have a bird's eye view of the LGI's rooftop helipad from their office windows and often see the air ambulances 'in action' delivering seriously ill or injured patients for treatment. We have a wide range of activities planned over the coming months including a 'Run for Home' challenge in which teams will be dropped by coach at a secret location and have to make their way back to the Leeds office in the fastest time possible without money, maps or phones/GPS technology and a partner leader event in the Summer, 'I'm a Partner…Get Me Out Of Here' in which the Leeds Partners will face a series of bushtucker style trials to raise money for YAA. Our colleagues, clients and friends always make a tremendous effort to support our charity activities and we are already well on our way to another successful year of fundraising." Nicky Massen, YAA Regional Fundraising Manager added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Squire Sanders. The need for Yorkshire's business community to support our charity has never been stronger as we rely heavily on companies to raise funds like this, through sponsorship or by joining our Business Supporters' Network in order to keep this service operational."

Yorkshire Air Ambulance are flying high after netting an amazing world record.

Three helicopter medics with family and friends joined forces with teaching staff from Wickersley School and Sports College, Rotherham, to break the record for the longest marathon playing five-a-side football.

The 15 players were split into a white and black team and in a staggering feat of endurance kept passing, tackling and shooting for an amazing 43 hours with the white team eventually running out winners by 827-454.

The marathon match also raised nearly £5,500 for the YAA which provides a life-saving rapid response emergency service to five million people across the region.

This was the second time the air ambulance paramedics had tried to break the five-a-side football playing record. YAA paramedic Pete Vallance, who organised the attempt, said: "We went for the record outside during one of the wettest weekends of last summer and had to abandon it after 30 hours for safety reasons and injuries to players.

So we were really determined to make it this time and everyone at Wickersley College was fantastic – even providing us with food and water over the weekend.

It was really hard and we were so grateful for the support we got. Most of us play five-a-side football on a regular basis but there was really no way you could prepare for the physical and mental toughness of this challenge.

For every six hours played you could get a 30 minute rest, but time off the pitch was no included in the official playing time, so the match actually lasted longer than 43 hours.

When the letter finally came through to say we had officially broken the record I was jumping around like a kid. It's just brilliant."

Pete was joined in the attempt by fellow paramedics Matt Syrat and Paul Kilner – all well-known faces to fans of the BBC series Helicopter Heroes which returns to our screens this Spring.

Photo (from L-R) shows YAA paramedics Matt Syrat, Pete Vallance and Paul Kilner with fellow Guinness World Record holders from Wickersley School and Sports College.

A group of friends have completed a 36 hour pool marathon to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The six players picked up their cues on 10am last Monday, finishing at 10pm the following night.

Peter Argument, who took part in the challenge, said they had completed a 24 hour marathon last year and had decided to add an extra 12 hours this time. "The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is such a good cause and we do need it, particularly covering Dalby Forest and the moors," he said. "It is such a wonderful charity to support and we felt we had to increase the challenge to get people to support us."

Peter said the pool marathon took place at the Buck Inn, Thornton le Dale, where many of the group play for the pub pool team. "A lot of local people came to support us and the staff at the pub were absolutely fantastic – real heroes," he said. "Everyone gave us encouragement to keep going and we also had staff from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance on Twitter encouraging us as well." Peter said they had hit a number of "walls" during the marathon, particularly during the hours of the morning. "It was worst at about 4am or 5am when it was still dark and the time seemed to drag but when we felt like giving up we thought about why we were doing it," he said. "When we finished we had a pint and then all went home for a sleep – it was really exhausting."

Peter said they had raised about £700 and hoped people would continue to make a donation at the Buck Inn or directly to the YAA. We know times are hard but we really want to raise as much as we can for this really worthy cause," he added.

Linedancers have given the Yorkshire Air Ambulance a welcomed lift.

The Inlwas and Outlaws line dancing group have helped to raise £1,890 for the charity despite missing the whole of January last year due to illness.

The group has been in the area for the last 16 years and since 2004 they have been raising much needed funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance mainly through monthly raffles at their classes in Brighouse, Lightcliffe and Wyke.

Funds were also raised by the sale of books, greeting cards, vegetables, donations and a loose change jar which adds a fair amount to the fundraising total.

Ron and Wendy Huckerby, who live in Lightcliffe said: "Since 2004 we have raised a total of £15,860 which is down to the continued generosity of our class members to whom we give our sincere thanks. These donations couldn't happen without them."

Pictured is Kerry Garner, West Yorkshire fundraising manager receiving the cheque from Inlaws and Outlaws line dancing group at Brighouse Assembly Rooms.

A round table group has handed over £7,000 to two air ambulance charities following a sponsored cycle ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle.

Twenty two members of the Wensleydale Round Table completed the challenge. The group also ran the car parking for the Dales Festival of Food and Drink and received donations from motorists.

The money was split – £3,500 each – between Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Great North Air Ambulance.

Gary Simpson, group chairman, said “They’re both great causes. We live in a rural area and you never know when you may need an air ambulance.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance cheque was accepted by Tony Doveston, North Yorkshire fundraising manager. He said “We’re delighted that Wensleydale Round Table has raised such a large amount of money for the service. In the 13 years we have been in existence, we have carried out 4,850 patient recoveries and the value of an air ambulance is particularly show in a rural area.”

Mandy Drake, head of fundraising at GNAA, also thanked the round tablers for their contribution.

Anybody interested in joining the Wensleydale Round Table can call Mr Simpson on 07702879860 or vice chair Dave Spenceley on 07714324253

Pictured is Gary Simpson, chairman of Wensleydale Round Table, with Tony Doveston, North Yorkshire regional fundraising manager.