Archives: Team Members

Tessa Klemz

Tessa Klemz is our Regional Fundraising Manager for the North and East regions. She joined the Charity in 2019 as North Region Community Fundraiser and was promoted to Regional Fundraiser in 2022. Tessa was promoted to her current role in January 2024.

“I love the variety of the role and never knowing what each day is going to bring, who I’m going to speak to and whether I’m going to come home with £2, £20, £200 or £2,000. I enjoy meeting all sorts of people with wonderful stories (some not always so happy) and having the opportunity to travel around beautiful North Yorkshire…whatever the weather. YAA is such a well-respected and valued charity”, said Tessa.

In her spare time, Tessa enjoys walking her dog Widget and trying to keep up with her sons on their mountain bikes. She also likes cooking, pilates, gardening, music and travel.

Interesting fact: Tessa volunteered at a self-help project charity in KwaZulu Natal in South Africa for six months in her early 20s.  There were sewing projects, pre-school feeding schemes, poultry projects, brick-making projects and vegetable planting.  One time she was driving on her own to a village and got stuck in the mud about ½ mile from her destination.  The local tractor had a flat tyre so a very friendly local organised his four donkeys who managed to pull her out.

Rob Scott

Rob Scott first joined the Charity as a volunteer in 2015 and then became one of our East Yorkshire Fundraisers in 2018. Rob is responsible for overseeing all the fundraising in the East Yorkshire region, working alongside Kevin and Keiron.

“I enjoy getting out and about at all the shows and events and meeting the people that support us and help to keep the Charity saving lives”, said Rob.

Each year Rob runs a car rally to Benidorm to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. On average they have 65-75 cars that join them every single year!

Interesting fact: Rob has been a Gritter and snowplough driver for 15 years for North Yorkshire Highways and one of his ambitions is to drive the Dalton Highway in Alaska for the winter season in a truck.

Kerry Dwyer

Kerry Dwyer is our Director of Fundraising for West and South Yorkshire and has worked for YAA since 2009. She is jointly responsible, alongside Helen, for overseeing our fundraising teams, implementing fundraising strategies, and making sure we’re reaching our fundraising targets.

Kerry joined the Charity in 2009 as one of our first Community Fundraisers and has a background in events co-ordination.

When asked what she loves the most about her job, Kerry said: “The passion and dedication of our brilliant supporters, I continue to be humbled by it, the amazing lifesaving work that we do, and working with such a fantastic team.”

In her spare time, Kerry enjoys spending time with her family, walking the dog, eating out, and going on holiday.

Interesting fact: Kerry once had dinner with Ewan McGregor…along with 500 other people

Kevin Hutchinson

Kevin Hutchinson is one of our East Region Community Fundraisers and has been working for the Charity since 2016. Before joining YAA Kevin worked in the hospitality industry as a qualified chef.

Speaking of what he loves about his job, Kevin said: “I enjoy attending the varied range of events across the region, working alongside our amazing volunteers, and meeting the public who support YAA and the patients YAA has helped.”

In his spare time, Kevin enjoys socialising with friends, Saturday night’s out to see live entertainment and catching up on our TV show Helicopter ER.

Interesting fact: Kevin’s first couple of days working full time for the Charity was the same time we unveiled our new Airbus H145 helicopter G-YAAC at Nostell ASU for the first time.

Katie Collinson

Katie Collinson is our Partnerships Manager and has worked for YAA since 2006.  Katie is the first port of call for all our Charity partners.

“The charity is something very special. Every day is different and the sense of pride and achievement working for such a charity is wonderful”, said Katie.

Katie is a mum of two and enjoys shopping, holidays, spending time with her family and friends, and going skiing!

Interesting fact: Katie rode a bike 302 miles from Huddersfield to Brighton for YAA and HTAFC’s Keep it Up Campaign.

Helen Callear

Helen Callear is our Director of Fundraising for North and East Yorkshire. Prior to joining YAA in 2013, she ran her own timber agency working with European timber suppliers to the UK.

Helen is responsible, alongside Kerry, for overseeing our fundraising teams, implementing fundraising strategies, and making sure we’re reaching our fundraising targets.

“No two days are the same at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We are a family, and we are lucky enough to meet lots of wonderful people – donors, ex-patients, and supporters across Yorkshire”, said Helen.

When Helen isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, painting, and reading.

Interesting fact: Helen was a swimmer at school and used to swim butterfly. She took part in many galas, swimming alone because nobody else could do it. She was very slow but won because of the lack of competition!

Caroline Myers

Caroline Myers is our Legacies Manager and has been working at the Charity since 2016, having previously worked in Marketing and Communications in the manufacturing sector.

“I enjoy meeting donors and finding out why they are so passionate about Yorkshire Air Ambulance”, said Caroline.

When she’s not working, Caroline enjoys walking, volunteering, and cooking.

Angela Vyas

Angela Vyas is one of our West Yorkshire Community Fundraisers. She covers the whole of the West Yorkshire region coordinating our in-store events and work with local community groups.

“I really like that the role is varied and that I’m able to network and raise money for such an important cause. I also enjoy going to events that I would have never heard about such as Jazz festivals”, said Angela.

In her spare time, Angela enjoys walking, swimming and meeting new people.

Interesting fact: In her spare time Angela loves personalising items, be it clothes or ornaments.

Leanne Seward

Allow us to introduce Leanne Seward, our very talented Brand and Marketing Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Joining the charity in 2019, Leanne brought with her a wealth of experience in the realm of charitable organisations. With unwavering passion and dedication, she takes charge of all our branding and promotional marketing materials and is the driving force behind Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s impactful digital and print presence.

Leanne’s love for her role is evident in her words, she said, “What I adore about this charity is the ever-changing nature of the work. No two days are alike, and that’s what keeps me inspired. Knowing that I play a part in helping save lives across our region fills me with pride. It is truly an honour to be able to say that I work for YAA!”

When she’s not designing up a storm on Photoshop, Leanne finds joy in various pursuits. As a lover of an active lifestyle, she enjoys running and keeping fit, embracing the health benefits that exercise bestows. Additionally, Leanne loves the opportunity to jet away on well-deserved holidays, exploring new destinations and creating cherished memories with her friends and family.

An interesting fact about Leanne is that in her younger years, she worked on a carrot farm as a carrot picker.

Steve Waudby

Cpt Steve Waudby is our Director of Aviation. Steve has worked for the Charity periodically since 2012 and took a permanent position within the Charity in 2018, working his way up to Director of Aviation in 2019.

In his role as the Director of Aviation, he is responsible for the safety of our aircraft and crew, staff development and training along with aircraft maintenance.

“What I love about working for YAA is the teamwork more than anything.  We have a wonderful bunch of paramedics and doctors who are second to none.  I like working in a team and the friendly banter that comes with it.  We see a lot of dreadful accidents and incidents each week, so it’s important to keep spirits lifted as much as possible and the team are fantastic at supporting each other”, said Steve.

In his spare time Steve enjoys photography and dancing.

Interesting fact: When Steve was 12 years old, he was given a Royal Award for Gallantry for saving a four-year-old who had fallen into a flooded quarry

Garry Brasher

Garry Brasher is the YAA Pilot Training Captain and he joined the charity in 2013. Prior to working for the YAA, he worked for Specialist Air Services (SAS).

When asked what he enjoys about working for the YAA, Garry, said: “Working as a team, and helping the public of Yorkshire.”

Interesting fact: Garry spent 22 years in the Army finishing in the Army Air Corps, flying Lynx helicopters, after 12 years as an infantry soldier.

Dr Rob Anderson

Rob Anderson is one of our Consultants and he joined the charity in 2016. Rob has worked at many A&E departments in Hospitals across the North of England and whilst working for the British Army, he completed a tour in Afghanistan.

“I enjoy making a real positive difference to the people of Yorkshire’s lives in their time of need”, said Rob.

In his spare time, Rob enjoys watching cricket and socialising.

Interesting fact: Rob is the 4th generation of doctor in his family with the same name. There is a nursing home and street named after his grandfather in Stainforth near Doncaster.