Archives: Team Members

Dr Judith Parker

Judith became a Trustee for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) in 2016 and is a retired GP, having worked in General Practice in Huddersfield for 26 years. During this time she also had a variety of senior clinical management roles and was active in delivering post-graduate education to all grades of frontline health professionals.

Judith enjoys her role in the charity, liaising with The Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and members of the Critical Care Team.

Judith was born and educated in York before attending Leeds Medical School where she met her husband, who was also a GP. They have two grown up children and continue to live in Huddersfield.

Richard Marsh

Richard is a Chartered Accountant with over 35 years’ experience of professional practice in South Yorkshire. Until his retirement in 2018 he was a partner in Hawsons Chartered Accountants, a firm he joined in 1986.

Richard has been a Trustee in a number of charities since 1993 and joined the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2020.

Richard lives near Wetherby in West Yorkshire and is married with a daughter and a step daughter.

Percy Pilot

Percy joined the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the summer of 2017 as a Pilot Mascot and has been working hard for us ever since. Attending a huge number of events and helping our fundraisers to tell as many people as possible about the work that we do saving lives across Yorkshire.

Percy is often joined by his colleague and good friend Polly Paramedic but sometimes you will see him at events with Polly, who may be attending another event at the same time.

Together with Polly, Percy took part in the 2019 Race for Jo – Mascot Race at Oakwell Country park on 23rd June 2019. It was a hot, sunny day but Polly and Percy did their very best. They may not have finished first but this race was definitely about the taking part and about meeting lots of other mascots from other charities and sports clubs. These included Ronnie the Rhino from Leeds Rhinos and Roger Ram from Dewsbury Rams RLFC.

Image of Percy and Polly with the medals after the 2019 Run for Jo Mascots' Race

If you would like to talk to us about Percy attending an event you are organising please contact your local fundraiser. You can find their details here.

Keiron Hardwick

Meet Keiron Hardwick, our dedicated East Region Community Fundraiser. Originally from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, Keiron now resides in the picturesque village of Hunmanby near Filey. His passion for our Charity runs deep, as he was a dedicated volunteer long before joining our team full-time in February 2020.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance holds a special place in Keiron’s heart. Reflecting on its significance, he shares, “The YAA is very close to my heart. Many years ago, a friend had to use the service, and it opened my eyes to the great work that charity does. If it wasn’t for the YAA, my friend wouldn’t be here today.” Embracing his role as a Community Fundraiser, Keiron finds joy in connecting with the incredible people of Yorkshire. Listening to their stories, finding each encounter fascinating, and witnessing the profound impact our charity has on countless lives.

Outside the realm of fundraising, Keiron cherishes precious moments with his family, relishing holidays and treasured time spent together. As a self-professed “car guy,” he enjoys attending car shows and events across the country, often accompanied by his dad and their prized Ford Mustang. In addition to his fundraising endeavours, Keiron takes on a unique role as the local bingo caller every Thursday in the beloved pub, The White Swan. For approximately 8 years, he has delighted the community with his trivia, raising money for local charities, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, all in return for a pint of his favourite beer.

Owen McTeggart

Owen is Chief Pilot for the YAA and he joined our charity in 2019, having previously worked for another air ambulance charity.

When asked what he loves about his job, Owen said: “The extended night HEMS hours and the family environment.”

In his spare time he enjoys running and coaching junior Rugby.

Interesting fact:  This is not the first time Owen has worked for the YAA! He was initially employed to fly out of Topcliffe in 2012.

Helen Berriman

Helen Berriman is our Corporate Fundraising Manager. Helen moved to this brand-new role for YAA in April 2025, following a period as our interim regional fundraising manager covering our west and south regions. This role was covered by Helen whilst our regional fundraising manager Vickie was on maternity leave. Helen’s role prior to this was as West Regional Fundraiser. Helen joined the Charity in January 2020 as one of our West Yorkshire Community Fundraisers, having previously worked in the Hospitality industry for the last 16 years and was promoted to West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser in 2021.

“I joined YAA following the birth of my third child. Whilst on maternity leave I had time to think about the things I enjoyed doing and one of the things that stood out was the fundraising involvement I had working in hotels. I am very fortunate and proud to work for Yorkshire Air Ambulance”, said Helen.

In her spare time, Helen enjoys spending time with her family and book folding, where you create pictures/images by folding the pages of a book.

Interesting fact:  Helen appeared on ‘Don’t tell the Bride’.  Whilst working at Oulton Hall, Leeds in 2010 Helen was the wedding coordinator and was the successful venue chosen to host the wedding reception.  Helen spent the full day filming a 5 minute show round and negotiation meeting.  The couple chose to arrive by helicopter and Helen had to arrange for the golf course to be closed for their arrival.

Paul Holmes

A man with short brown hair, wearing glasses and an orange flight suit is stood in front of a yellow helicopter

Paul joined the ambulance service in 1999 as an Ambulance Technician (now called EMT). In 2003 he became a qualified Paramedic, being promoted in 2007 to a Clinical Team Educator. He was then promoted to the role of Clinical Team Leader in 2010. The two positions then merged in 2012 to become a Clinical Supervisor. He was asked to undertake a secondment as a Locality Manager in Doncaster before returning as a Clinical Supervisor prior to joining the YAA. In 2015 he was successful in his assessments and obtained a place on the unit, becoming a permanent member of staff in 2017.

Paul decided to join the ambulance service after spending several years volunteering for the British Red Cross, becoming a Duty Manager at the young age of 18.

“I can honestly say this is the best job I’ve ever had within the ambulance service. The ability to look after the most critically ill and injured patients is what Paramedics want to do, however many don’t get the chance to work with such a dedicated and professional team such as YAA. The close relationship between the crews and charity staff speaks volumes through how our HEMS operations have developed over the years.”

In his spare time, Paul enjoys family movie nights, camping, walking, doing martial arts and keeping fit with his young daughter, Eleanor. He is also known to attempt to play the guitar too.

Interesting facts:

Paul has been training in martial arts since he was 7 years old, grading in over seven different styles and obtaining a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu.

 

Matty McCabe

Matty McCabe is one of our HEMS Specialist Paramedics – Critical Care, and he first joined the charity in April 2019. He previously worked at Yorkshire Ambulance Service as a Paramedic at Wakefield and Clinical Supervisor in Huddersfield and Wakefield and prior to joining YAS, he worked in West Midlands as a Paramedic.

“I love being able to meet lots of different people from all over Yorkshire and beyond, whilst out on emergency calls. This could be up a hill, on a peak, on the beach, at the side of the road or in their own home! The opportunity to work with some very experienced Doctors, Paramedics and pilots is also an experience I do not take for granted and i am trying to learn as much as i can during my secondment here. Flying over Yorkshire on a sunny day is also pretty spectacular – we do live in a fantastic place after all”, said Matty.

In his spare time, Matty enjoys watching sports – Rugby, Cricket, Football, Boxing, Running, Hiking and going to Headingley Stadium to watch the Rhinos.

Clare Deacon

Clare Deacon is our North Regional Fundraiser. Clare was promoted from her previous role as one of our Community Fundraisers in the North region. She joined the Charity in January 2020, initially working in our North region as Community Fundraiser, before moving to West in 2022. Clare moved back to North as Regional Fundraiser in January 2024.

“I enjoy working with people. Spreading the message of what we do whilst often meeting people who have been lifted is heart-warming and constantly reminds me of the need for such an important service”, said Clare.

In her spare time Clare is the chair of her local pre-school and likes being involved with the area she lives in. She also enjoys the great outdoors – working in and around Yorkshire is a dream come true for Clare.

Interesting fact: Clare ran her own busy Post Office for thirteen years. She was one of only 500 Customer Relationship Managers in the whole network, of 11,500 offices.