Archives: Team Members

Dr Steve Rowe

Dr Steve Rowe started working for the charity in 2009 and he’s one of our HEMS Consultants. Steve spends one day a fortnight on the air ambulance as part of his NHS duties and the rest of the time he is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Northern General Hospital in Sheffield.

“I love the diversity and challenge of the incidents we attend, helping people who are having their worst day, and working with a great team of pilots, paramedics and charity staff”, said Steve.

When he’s not flying about the skies of Yorkshire or working at the Northern General Hospital, he enjoys spending time with his family enjoying the Peak District hills. He is a keen walker and climber, so having the Pennine moors on the doorstep is ideal!

Interesting fact: Steve spends some of his free time volunteering with Edale Mountain Rescue Team, so at times he has to call upon the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to assist causalities in the hills.

Dr Neil Sambridge

Dr Neil Sambridge is one of our consultants and when he’s not flying with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, he is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Sammy Wills

Sammy Wills is one of our HEMS Paramedics and Clinical Supervisors and her first flying day at the YAA was 21st September 2002!

“I love being part of the team that can provide a fantastic pre-hospital service, in a timely speedy way, for all the people in Yorkshire and those blessed to visit”, said Sammy.

Sammy is a serving member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her mountain bike, running on the moors and spending time with her family – especially her 7 nieces and nephews.

Interesting fact: Sammy is a Winston Churchill Fellow. She loves to travel and had the opportunity to fly around the world visiting other Air Ambulance units.

Andy Armitage

Andy Armitage is one of our HEMS Paramedics and he joined the charity in 2011, following a career in the Armed Forces.

“It’s a fantastic job flying around Yorkshire helping people”, said Andy.

In his spare time, Andy enjoys going to the gym and mountain biking.

Interesting fact: Andy once marched 40 miles in Dartmoor National Park carrying 40 pounds plus food and water in 12 hours.

Kit von Mickwitz

Kit is one of our Paramedics and joined our charity in 2014. When he’s not working for the charity, he works on a response car in Leeds.

When asked what he enjoys the most about being a HEMS Paramedic, Kit said: “The variety of cases and the places we visit and the ability to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

In his spare time, Kit enjoys long walks with his family, cooking and baking.

Interesting fact: Kit absolutely loves cheese!

Mike Harrop

Mike joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) initially as a volunteer in 2017 and, due to his extensive background in the military, was subsequently invited to become a Trustee in 2019. Mike became YAA Vice Chairman in November 2022, and Chairman in July 2023.

Prior to joining YAA, Mike served in the Royal Air Force for 30 years, fulfilling a wide variety of posts including crisis management operations in Whitehall, counter-narcotics law enforcement, and immediately prior to his retirement as the Station Commander of RAF Scampton – the home of the Red Arrows.

With a Masters Degree in Leadership, he now works part-time as a leadership and management consultant as well as providing emergency planning advice to his local Parish Council.

Mike brings to YAA considerable experience in leadership, senior management, and air operations including first-hand experience with aviation governance and its responsibilities.

Mike lives in Malham. He is married to Sarah-Jane and they have one grown-up son.