Archives: Team Members

Holly Whitehouse

Holly is our South Regional Fundraiser, having been promoted from the role of South Community Fundraiser in February 2024.

Before joining the Charity in 2021, Holly worked for a small charity in South Yorkshire.

Holly said ‘I love working in fundraising, I love the variety that comes with the role. I am sure most Fundraisers would agree that no day is the same. It is wonderful to see how generous people can be with their time and their money, to help support the work the Charity does. I have always been a fan of Helicopter ER, so when I saw the role at YAA advertised I knew I had to apply for it!’

Interesting fact: Holly has climbed Ben Nevis, Snowdon, and Scafell Pike. She has lots more she would like to add to that list.

Lindsey Newey

Lindsey lives in Sheffield and joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. Studying to become a Paramedic at Coventry University before going on to work in Bristol, for South Western Ambulance Service, Becky then moved to Yorkshire Ambulance Service before joining YAA.

“I’m very excited about joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It has been a long term goal of mine to work in HEMS and I’m excited to get started and stuck in”, said Lindsey.

Interesting fact: In her spare time Lindsey plays Rugby Union.

Becky Knight

Becky is from Wakefield and joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. She previously worked a dual role as an ambulance paramedic and lecturer practitioner in Human and Health Sciences at the University of Huddersfield.

Becky said: “I have always been interested in helicopters and critical care. I wanted to become a HEMS paramedic to challenge myself, help others and learn from the team’s experience and expertise.”

Interesting fact: Becky has a spaniel called Pete.

Tammy Williams

Tammy joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. After completing a three-year BSC Paramedic Science degree in London and qualifying in 2016,  Tammy initially worked out of Deptford, before coming back up to Yorkshire where she was based at Wakefield before joining YAA.

Comparing London to Yorkshire, Tammy said: “Working on the land ambulance you have a lot more trauma such as RTCs and stabbings in London and the trauma is quite invasive. It’s a lot more rural up here. Being exposed to that level of trauma made me want to be a HEMS Paramedic and expand my knowledge.”

Interesting fact: Tammy used to do boxing as a hobby before becoming a Paramedic.

Fiona Blaylock

Fiona is from Harrogate and joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. She previously worked as a Combat Medical Technician in the army and in a prison healthcare department before becoming a Paramedic in 2013.

“When you’re on the road as a Paramedic with a patient and you see the air ambulance arrive, you know the patient will get extra care and sometimes get to the hospital quicker that could potentially save their life”, said Fiona.

Andy Watson

Andy lives in Leeds and has been a Paramedic for four years and progressed to Team Leader, before joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. Prior to working as a Paramedic, Andy was a personal trainer, a bodyguard, and was in the military.

When asked why he wanted to work as a HEMS Paramedic, Andy said: “HEMS is the best job within the ambulance service and it’s a job most paramedics aspire to.”

Interesting fact: In his spare time Andy enjoys scuba diving

Sam Berridge

Sam lives in Bridlington and joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022. He began his career working in the Coast Guard Search and Rescue Team for nine years and joined the ambulance service in 2016. He worked his way up to Team Leader before joining the Charity.

“I wanted to work for Yorkshire Air Ambulance because it’s the best air ambulance in the country and brings the very best care to critically ill patients and working in the fantastic small Critical Care Team will allow me to do this”, said Sam.

Interesting fact: Sam is still on the coast guard team and he used to be a fire arms instructor

Terri-ann Lonie

Terri-ann became a Paramedic in 2017, initially based out of Keighley, then Pateley Bridge, and finally Harrogate. She then completed a secondment at HART, Yorkshire’s Hazardous Area Response Team, before joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2022.

When asked why she wanted to join YAA, Terri-ann said: “I wanted to work with the most amazing clinicians, Paramedics, and Pilots. The pre-hospital care they give and the speed that they can fly a patient to the hospital is incredible.”

Interesting fact: Terri-ann once got ‘The Most Improved’ on a surf camp in Australia.

Ruth Crossley

Meet Ruth Crossley, Finance Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Proudly residing in the vibrant town of Huddersfield, Ruth became an invaluable member of our YAA team in November 2020. It’s worth noting that Ruth’s journey began amidst the challenges of the second Covid-19 lockdown, which meant she didn’t have the chance to meet her YAA colleagues face-to-face for a remarkable six months!

Initially joining as a Finance Officer responsible for Purchase Ledger, In July 2021, Ruth was rightfully promoted to the position of Finance Manager, working closely with our Finance Director, spearheading Month End accounts and overseeing the rest of our talented finance team.

Speaking of why she loves working for YAA, Ruth said, “Working for YAA not only allows me to pursue what I love but also provides me with a profound sense of fulfilment, knowing that I am contributing to supporting our lifesaving missions across Yorkshire.”

Outside the realm of finance, Ruth embraces the joyful busyness of her life as a mother to three beautiful children. Creating cherished memories with her family is a top priority. Additionally, Ruth finds excitement in attending concerts, immersing herself in the electrifying atmosphere alongside her family and friends. She takes great delight in sharing her passion for music with her two older children, who now accompany her to many of these gigs!

Interestingly, Ruth once owned her own wedding stationery business. From designing and handcrafting wedding stationery to dressing the wedding venues, Ruth played a crucial role in making couples’ special days truly memorable.

Laura Wilson

Laura joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2021 as HR Manager. She has a degree in Psychology and Human Resources Management and is CIPD qualified. Laura has worked in a variety of HR roles within a variety of sectors during her career – housing, utilities, financial services, and construction.

Working in the charity sector for such a worthwhile cause is something Laura had always wanted to do and she enjoys the variety of work and interacting with the wider YAA team on a daily basis.

Laura has two young children who keep her very busy – a son who loves skateboarding and a daughter who enjoys ballroom dancing. She enjoys cooking, travel, fitness and spending time with her family and friends.