Archives: Team Members

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.

Dr Tim Moll

Dr Tim Moll is one of our consultants and the joined the charity in 2009. When he’s not working for the YAA he is a consultant anaesthetist in a Major Trauma Centre.

“As a Yorkshireman born and bred, I enjoy flying around the region in our of state-of-the-art helicopters, bringing help to our fellow Yorkshire folk”, said Tim.

In his spare time, Tim enjoys working as a doctor at racetracks and football matches. He also loves cars, motorbikes and science fiction.

Interesting fact: Tim’s grandfather, father and uncle were doctors in Yorkshire, his wife currently is a doctor in Yorkshire…and his daughter wants to be a vet!

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.