Archives: Team Members

Phil Larkins

Introducing Phil Larkins from Doncaster, an experienced pilot who joined our crew in October 2023. Phil’s journey towards the skies began at a remarkably early age, earning his Private Pilot’s License at age 17 before he held a full driving license.

His flying career has spanned the globe, commencing in the Royal Navy, flying the Lynx from Frigates and Destroyers. He later served in the Royal New Zealand Navy, where he completed an exchange tour in Australia. After leaving the military, Phil extended his wings to cover commercial operations in various parts of the world, from the Middle East to Iran, Sudan, Libya, and most recently Brunei.

Beyond his professional life, Phil treasures moments spent with his family and friends. He’s a keen cycling enthusiast, even if the great British weather occasionally presents challenges. The gym and golf also hold a special place in his leisure activities. He’s not a stranger to athletic feats, having competed in the London Triathlon on two occasions.

Phil’s life has been marked by extraordinary experiences, in a remarkable feat, he has touched down on an iceberg in the Antarctic Ocean, a testament to the incredible places aviation has taken him.

 

Sarah Pogson

Sarah Pogson is our friendly Merchandise Co-ordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Sarah is from the charming town of Holmfirth and forms part of our Marketing team. Sarah is responsible for our online shop, ensuring our supporter’s orders are sent out in a timely manner. Sarah also works closely with our fundraising teams, making sure they are well-equipped with the latest YAA merchandise for their stalls and events.

Before becoming an integral part of YAA, Sarah honed her skills in the fundraising and membership department of another charity. Igniting her passion for working within charitable organisations.

When asked about her motivation to join YAA, Sarah’s enthusiasm shines through. She said, “I feel so proud to work for the YAA. It’s a charity that plays such a vital role in saving lives across Yorkshire. I jumped at the chance of being a part of such an incredible team of people; it’s a true privilege!”

When she isn’t working, Sarah immerses herself in her love for the Yorkshire countryside. Riding her horse and walking her dogs are her most cherished activities. Her vibrant social life includes attending gigs and nights out with friends. But when Sarah just fancies a chilled night at home, you’ll likely find her indulging in a bowl of homemade pasta while watching Parks and Recreation, accompanied by a glass of wine.

An interesting fact about Sarah is her dedication to her ex-racehorse, Finley. Over the past three years, she has undertaken the task of retraining Finley, which has not always been a smooth ride, but Sarah considers Finley’s progression one of her greatest privileges and achievements. Hard work truly does pay off!

Paul Smith

Introducing Paul Smith, our youngest YAA pilot, who joined our esteemed team of pilots in July 2023, significantly contributing to the seamless transportation of our doctors, paramedics, TCM’s and patients on critical missions across the region.

Before becoming an integral part of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, he lent his expertise to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, where he started as a copilot and worked his way up to the role of Captain. Prior to that, Paul made his mark as a flight instructor in the scenic landscapes of Mallorca, Spain. There, he shared his passion for flying helicopters, teaching others the art of taking flight while also offering tourists private helicopter tours around the enchanting Mediterranean island.

Beyond the cockpit, Paul’s enthusiasm extends to the world of motorsports. As an avid fan of Formula 1, Indy Car, and NASCAR, he finds exhilaration in the high-octane world of racing.

When it comes to interesting facts, Paul’s claim to fame is that he once appeared on an episode of the hit ITV show, Love Island, where he provided a thrilling helicopter tour to a couple on the show for their final date. In addition, Paul’s party trick is that he knows all the words to the infectious pop song ‘Macarena’ (we will be testing him on this at our Christmas party).

Michelle Raine

Meet Michelle Raine, our extraordinary Community Fundraiser for North Yorkshire at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Nestled in the idyllic area of Wensleydale, Michelle joined our dynamic fundraising team in June 2023, ready to make a profound impact on the lives of others.

Michelle’s personal connection to our cause is deeply rooted in her own journey as an ex-patient. Driven by a deep sense of gratitude and passion, she recognised that working for YAA would allow her to utilise her experiences to give back. Reflecting on her role, Michelle said, “Joining YAA was a way for me to channel my gratitude and passion for the charity that once helped me. Being part of this fantastic team has been an incredible journey, where no two days have been the same. I absolutely love it!”

Outside the realm of fundraising, Michelle finds joy in her creative (and often messy) pursuits. Painting, baking, and drawing form the heart of her hobbies, allowing her to express her artistic spirit. An interesting fact about Michelle adds an adventurous twist to her story. At the age of 19, she embarked on an exciting journey, travelling around New Zealand. However, her adventures were cut short, when she suffered a serious accident, requiring the attention of our YAA crew whilst visiting family at home in the UK. Sadly, missing her return flight to New Zealand by a few days. (We are pleased to share that Michelle has since made a remarkable recovery).

Charles Handscomb

Meet Charles Handscomb, our charismatic Finance Officer. Hailing from the bustling streets of London, Charles made the move up north in 2004 and is now very proud to be a Yorkshireman (Although his accent still needs some work). He joined our head office team in April 2023 and has been instrumental in handling the financial intricacies of our charity’s diverse income streams.

With an impressive 35-year career primarily focused on Management Accounts, Charles reached a pivotal moment where he yearned to give back to a charitable organisation. Reflecting on his role, Charles said, “Every time I catch a glimpse of those iconic yellow helicopters soaring overhead, I swell with pride. Knowing that my work contributes to the incredible lifesaving efforts of our crew is truly inspiring.”

When Charles isn’t crunching numbers and ensuring our finances are in tip-top shape, you can find him revelling in the world of live sports, particularly football. Since 1976, he has been a dedicated supporter of Fulham Football Club (We will forgive him) and has passed on this fervour to his son, with whom he often attends matches.

Beyond his love for sports, Charles possesses a brilliant mind for puzzles and quizzes. His love for intellectual challenges led him to venture onto the television quiz show ’15 to 1.’ While luck may not have been on his side that day, his enthusiasm for games shows remains undiminished.

Claire Roberts

Introducing Claire Roberts, our delightful West and South Regional Administrator. With her warm and friendly demeanour, Claire is the first point of contact for your queries and concerns, ensuring that your questions are answered promptly and efficiently. She also plays a vital role in booking events across the two regions, meticulously logging donations, and providing invaluable administrative support to our dedicated fundraising teams.

Before embarking on her journey with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Claire pursued a career in education, qualifying as an early years teacher. Her passion for organising special occasions then led her to become a wedding and event co-coordinator before eventually joining the YAA team, where her exceptional organisational skills and warm-hearted nature found a perfect home.

Outside of work, Claire’s passion for the culinary arts takes the spotlight. A self-proclaimed aficionado of all things cheesy, she discovers solace and pure delight in the realm of cooking. However, whenever the opportunity presents itself to indulge in the world of Spanish Tapas, she joyfully leaps at the chance.

Alison Craven

Introducing Alison Craven, one of our committed Finance Officers at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. While Alison was born in Halifax, she has called Huddersfield home for most of her life. Her journey with YAA began in October 2022, where she assumed a key role within the Finance team, extending her support to various facets, including staff and volunteer expenditure, petty cash, VAT, and other essential month-end finance processes.

Alison’s commitment to YAA is rooted in her desire to give back. Recently retired from the NHS, she sought a part-time position to maintain her skills and connect with new people. Her decision to join YAA reflects her belief in the tremendous value of our charity. As she puts it, “YAA is a very worthwhile charity, which I wanted to be a part of.“

Alison’s professional journey has been diverse and enriching. After leaving school, she embarked on a career as a Baker/Confectioner, honing her skills for nine years. Subsequently, she transitioned into the NHS finance sector, dedicating an impressive 34 years to the organisation. Her qualifications include being AAT certified and part-qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant.

Beyond her professional life, Alison is an avid Huddersfield Town Football Club supporter, holding a season ticket for many years, sharing the excitement of match days with fellow supporters. Alison also enjoys dining out, cherishing moments spent with family, and embarking on leisurely walks with her lively 9-month-old dog, “Nellie.”

Alison reveals an interesting fact about her past – she played the Tenor Horn during her school days in Holmfirth!

Stephen Kenworthy

Stephen lives in West Yorkshire, in the picturesque market town of Otley. He joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in March 2023. Before joining YAA, Steven was in the Army for six years, serving in the Royal Logistics Corps as a Driver.

After leaving the Army, Stephen joined Yorkshire Ambulance Service, working in the Emergency Operations Centre as a call handler, before becoming an Emergency Care Assistant.

Steven said, ‘Flying around God’s own County for such an amazing charity – what is not to love? I feel very lucky to call this my job!’

Steven has a two-year-old son and spends lots of his free time hiking in the Dales.

Interesting Fact: Stephen enjoys scuba diving and has been diving with seals off the Farne Islands.