Archives: Community TYs

The tight-knit community of Drax near Selby has demonstrated their unwavering support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) by organising a successful day-long fundraising campaign, which saw many of the village’s residents come together in a series of engaging activities, that raised a staggering £1,657, along with an additional £144 through the sale of official YAA merchandise.

The village has a profound history of rallying behind the vital services provided by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, recognising its significance in a rural setting where many residents hold personal connections to its life-saving missions.

The fundraising day was comprised of three pivotal fundraising activities, beginning at The Huntsman pub with a morning cake sale, featuring an assortment of apple pies, buns, and cakes generously baked by local residents.

In the afternoon, a spirited badminton tournament took place, with entrance fees directly contributing to the air ambulance fund. This tournament, an annual event, was played for the coveted Drax Badminton Charity Cup, donated by Tony Emmerson.

The day culminated in a curry night at The Huntsman pub, where a delicious meal cooked and donated by Paul Dulkoan drew in residents and badminton players alike. The evening was a hit with locals, demonstrating the village’s ongoing dedication to supporting the cause.

Rachel Stone, representing the Badminton Club, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the fundraising effort, stating, “The overwhelming support from our community is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to have been part of this successful fundraising day, we had so much fun, and it really brought people in our local community together for a fantastic cause. As a result, we are committed to continuing our support for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and hope to continue to raise awareness for their lifesaving missions.”

Regional Fundraising Manager for West & South Yorkshire, Vickie Cowan, extended her sincere thanks to Drax Village. She said, “The generosity and dedication shown by the residents of Drax are invaluable to us. Their efforts enable us to continue our life-saving missions, and we’re immensely grateful for their ongoing support.”

Following the success of the fundraising day, The Huntsman pub organised a Halloween party, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tony Watson, a resident of Shelley near Huddersfield, has demonstrated exceptional community spirit by raising an outstanding £948 in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

Tony hosted several successful community fundraising events, including regular pub quiz nights and a ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ Queen themed community concert in his local village, featuring a Queen Tribute band.

The quiz nights were held at Tony’s local pub, The Rising Sun Inn, in Shelley, proving to be a hit among pub regulars, fostering a sense of camaraderie while contributing generously to the fundraising efforts.

The music concert, which was held in September, rocked throughout the evening with residents being treated to a mix of the iconic band’s greatest hits including ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘We Are the Champions’. On the night, Tony had organised a raffle, which was widely popular due to the range of prizes on offer, bolstering his final fundraising total.

Once the final funds were collected, the YAA West Yorkshire Fundraising team had the opportunity to meet Tony and personally thank him for supporting the charity’s lifesaving missions. West Yorkshire Community Fundraiser, Stephanie Maynard, expressed her gratitude, she said, ‘We are incredibly grateful to Tony for his fundraising efforts, his pub quizzes and community concert were huge successes, and as a fan of Queen myself, I am certain the audience were rocking through the night! Contributions like Tony’s are invaluable in sustaining the life-saving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, ensuring we can fulfil our promise to be there for those who need us across the region’.

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Harveys of Halifax, a distinctive and locally cherished independent department store in Halifax, West Yorkshire, has successfully completed its fundraising campaign in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) throughout the month of October.

Harveys of Halifax hosted 15 collection tins across their various outlets and organised stalls at the centre, resulting in an exceptional fundraising achievement of £776.23.

The 4th generation family-run establishment, renowned for its diverse range of offerings spanning womenswear, menswear, beauty, and home, including esteemed brands like Barbour, Dune, Levi’s Karl Lagerfeld, benefit, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Molton Brown, and Neom, demonstrated unwavering commitment in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), with their fundraising efforts bolstering the charity’s lifesaving mission.

YAA Volunteer, Pat, had the opportunity to meet the team and extended her heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team for their commitment and generosity. She said, “The store’s proactive engagement and community-driven initiatives exemplify their dedication to supporting essential services like the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This accomplishment stands as a testament to their ethos of giving back to the community “.

We would like to say a massive thank you to the Community Foundation for Calderdale and R B Gray Charitable Trust for helping to fund new iPads, which are being used by both our aviation and medical crew.

The iPads allow our aviation crew to locate patients quickly and safely, using a bespoke mapping application which identifies the closest and safest site to land in order to reach the patient.

Once we have landed and our crew are on the ground, our medical team can use the iPads to locate the patient using What3Words if they need to traverse some distance on foot. They can also be used to access clinical information which cannot be easily remembered, such as children’s drug dosages.

Without generous donations and funding such as this, we would not be in a position to save lives across Yorkshire every day.

Read more Community Thank You articles HERE.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) extends its heartfelt appreciation to Colin Alyward for his unwavering commitment and dedication to organising the Heath Classic Car Transport Rally. This annual event, held every August bank holiday, has not only become a much-anticipated gathering for classic car enthusiasts but has also emerged as a significant source of support for YAA and The Well Project in Normanton, a local food bank initiative.

The Heath Classic Car Transport Rally is a much-loved community event, with people travelling from far and wide to attend. The cars on display are a testament to the pride and passion that owners invest in their cherished automobiles.

Colin’s steadfast commitment to nurturing community bonds and fostering charitable contributions through the classic car rally has garnered remarkable attention. To date, his efforts have generated an impressive total of over £5.5k in donations. These funds play a crucial role in supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s life-saving missions, as well as supporting The Well Project initiative, which is committed to addressing local food insecurity.

Members of the YAA team recently had the privilege of visiting Colin and his dedicated team, where they gratefully collected the proceeds from the rally. Reflecting on the event’s success, YAA Regional Fundraiser for West Yorkshire, Helen Berriman, said, “Colin’s dedication to both our charity and The Well Project is truly inspiring. The events consistently draw enthusiastic crowds and showcase an array of fantastic classic cars. Colins ability to bring people together is a testament to his passion and generosity for supporting such vital causes. We are profoundly thankful for his ongoing support and the impact it has on our life-saving missions.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance wholeheartedly thanks Colin Alyward and all the events participants, sponsors, and attendees who have consistently contributed to making the Heath Classic Car Transport Rally an extraordinary success year after year.

Emily Stocks, a dedicated equestrian from Sheffield, demonstrated her commitment to a noble cause by hosting a delicious bake sale and raffle on July 29th at her stables in Deepcar, Sheffield. The event not only showcased her baking abilities but also highlighted her strong connection with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, an organisation close to her heart.

Emily’s motivation for organising the fundraising event stemmed from her own journey as a former patient of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. In 2019, a horse-riding accident marked a significant turning point in her life, and the swift response and expert care provided by the air ambulance team played a crucial role in her recovery. This experience ignited Emily’s desire to give back to the charity that came to her aid.

The bake sale and raffle were a resounding success, attracting enthusiastic support from the local community and fellow equestrians.

Through their generous contributions, Emily managed to raise an impressive total of £742. The funds raised will go directly towards supporting the vital operations of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, ensuring that their life-saving services continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals across the region.

With the success of this event, Emily Stocks is excited to continue her efforts in supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and its noble mission. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of personal experiences and community collaboration in driving positive change.

South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser, Laura Lawton, attended on the day on behalf of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. She said, “Emily’s dedication to raising funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is truly commendable. Her bake sale and raffle event were not only a delightful treat for our taste buds, but also a heartwarming testament to her commitment to supporting YAA. After learning of Emily’s personal connection to our charity, it makes her fundraising even more heartfelt – A huge thank you to Emily from everyone here at YAA.”

London Marathon participant Sophie Bradbury has successfully raised an impressive £1656.40 in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), a charity that held a special place in the heart of her late running mentor. Sophie’s fundraising efforts stand as a testament to her dedication, community spirit, and determination to make a difference in her mentor’s memory.

Sophie’s journey in the world of running commenced in 2018, as she embraced the sport as a new challenge. Seeking guidance and camaraderie, she found herself at the Askern District Running Club, where she crossed paths with Dave Collingwood. A seasoned running mentor with a wealth of coaching experience, Dave was known for his unwavering support for runners of all skill levels.

The passing of Dave Collingwood at the end of 2022 sent shockwaves through the local running community. Inspired by his memory and the impact he had on her running journey, Sophie decided to run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon in his honour, with the aim of raising funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance—a cause close to Dave and his family’s heart.

Sophie’s dedication, tireless training and fundraising efforts culminated in an impressive total of £1656.40 raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. These funds are earmarked to directly support the YAA’s mission of providing vital medical intervention and rapid transportation to patients in need – saving lives across the Yorkshire region.

At an emotional event that brought together members of the Askern Running Club, Sophie’s family, and Dave’s family, South Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for YAA, Laura Lawton, had the honour of meeting Sophie in person to collect the funds raised and thank her for her efforts.

Laura expressed her heartfelt admiration for Sophie’s unwavering commitment, stating, “Sophie’s dedication to honouring Dave’s memory while supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance is truly inspiring. Her fundraising achievement will undoubtedly have a meaningful impact on our ability to continue saving lives across the region.“

Sophie’s journey, from a personal challenge to a meaningful tribute, encapsulates the power of individuals coming together to create a positive impact. Yorkshire Air Ambulance commends Sophie’s remarkable achievement and extends gratitude to all those who supported her on this heartfelt mission.

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Biffa Waste Services, a leading waste management company in the UK, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to safety and community support through a unique charity initiative.

As a testament to their commitment to corporate social responsibility, Biffa empowers its staff to select a charity of their choosing to receive a charitable donation in the event of a year with no recorded accidents.

Following a year of exemplary Health and Safety performance at their Leeds depot, Biffa proudly donated a substantial sum to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

YAA’s West Yorkshire fundraising team recently visited the Biffa depot to express their gratitude and collect the generous donation. During the visit, the YAA team was presented with a cheque for an impressive £780 —which will go towards funding the charity’s daily operational costs.

Regional Fundraiser, for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Helen Berriman, said, “We are immensely grateful to the Biffa team at Leeds for their generous donation to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Their unwavering commitment to their Health and Safety charity scheme has not only made a positive impact on their workplace but also on the lives of those we serve.

This contribution will enable us to continue providing critical care and rapid response to those in need across the region. Thank you to everyone at Biffa for your incredible support and for making Yorkshire Air Ambulance your charity of choice!”.

On 2nd July, the picturesque countryside of Nidderdale buzzed with excitement as tractors gathered for the Nidderdale Tractor Run. Fuelled by a shared passion for all things agriculture and a desire to support a worthy cause, tractor drivers united to make a difference and raise vital funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

The Nidderdale Tractor Run showcased the true power of community spirit, raising an impressive £2000.17. This success was a testament to the incredible generosity of those who participated and their dedication to supporting the vital work of YAA.

Amidst the sea of tractor enthusiasts, Derek Rand stood out as an extraordinary contributor. With determination and compassion, he single-handedly raised £500.00, significantly bolstering the final total. As a devoted Freemason, Derek had witnessed firsthand the profound impact of YAA’s lifesaving missions, inspiring him to take action. His call for support resonated with friends and family, who wholeheartedly rallied behind his cause, offering generous sponsorships and unwavering encouragement.

Looking ahead to the future, Derek remains resolute in his commitment to the cause, determined to double his fundraising efforts for the upcoming Tractor Run.

To the event organiser, Simon Dickinson, and all the dedicated participants, including Derek Rand, Yorkshire Air Ambulance extends its heartfelt gratitude. Their collective efforts have and will continue to save lives for those in need.

In a heartwarming display of community support and canine compassion, Woofy Treats in Halifax successfully raised £119 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA). The funds were raised through an exciting raffle, offering participants the chance to win a luxurious dog treat hamper, complete with a pull rope dog toy and a prize for an hour-long “Woofy Workout” on their dog agility course. The event gained a tremendous response, as dog lovers and supporters of YAA came together to contribute to this pawsome cause.

The raffle draw took place at the YAA headquarters and was pulled by a member of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team. The lucky winners of the dog treat hamper and the Woofy Workout were overjoyed at their prizes, but the true victory lay in the generous donations collected for the vital work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Rachel, the dedicated force behind Woofy Treats, was the driving force behind this charitable endeavour. For her, supporting YAA held a profound personal significance, as the charity was close to her late mother’s heart. Inspired by her mother’s memory, Rachel is now committed to organising monthly raffle draws to continue raising funds for YAA. It’s a testament to the power of love and remembrance.

As the initiative gains momentum, the future looks promising for the ongoing partnership between Woofy Treats and YAA, working hand in paw to make a difference in the lives of others.

Thank you to everyone at DHL in Manton Wood who have raised an incredible £500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, following their valentines raffle.

The team are huge fans of the hit series Helicopter ER, of which, Yorkshire Air Ambulance are stars, which formed the basis for the charitable donation.

YAA Community Fundraising Manager, Vickie Bowden, recently went to visit the branch and was presented with a cheque for the money raised.

Without aviation fuel to power our helicopters, we wouldn’t be going anywhere fast!

Over the last 12 months The Joseph & Annie Cattle Trust, Westfield Health, Shaw Lands Trust, The Hull & East Riding Charitable Trust, The Company of Cutlers Charitable Trust, and The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge have all made donations towards our fuel costs, and we would like to say a heartfelt thank you. Their donations have helped to keep our air ambulance helicopters in the air, saving lives across Yorkshire every day.

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