83-year-old great-grandmother Alys Allardyce, President of the Rotary Club of Ripon, has taken on one of Europe’s fastest zip lines to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Braving the Titan Zip World challenge in North Wales, a 1,080-metre adrenaline-fuelled experience reaching speeds of over 60mph, Alys faced her fears to support the lifesaving charity she has chosen as her President’s charity of the year.
Despite admitting that heights are her “idea of a nightmare,” Alys took on not one, but two zip lines suspended high above the famous Llechwedd quarry, joining 15 others taking part in the challenge. Her determination was rewarded as she surpassed her £1,000 fundraising target, raising an incredible £2,100 so far, made up of £1,095 through JustGiving and £1,005 in additional sponsorships, with Gift Aid still to come. Donations came from over 40 supporters across the world, including Australia, America, Germany, Scotland and England.
Alys chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance as her charity of the year after experiencing first-hand the care and compassion of the charity’s crew when she suffered a fall at her home around two years ago. Her friend, concerned she may have suffered a stroke, called for help, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended to assess her condition. The professionalism and kindness shown by the crew left a lasting impression on her.
A long-standing member of the Rotary Club of Ripon for around 10 years, Alys continues to be inspired by the organisation’s dedication to supporting charities both locally and internationally. The club has a long history of supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance through its annual cycle ride, and Alys is proud to be continuing that tradition during her presidency. Throughout her term, she has led several fundraising initiatives for the charity, including a bottle stall at Ripon Racecourse and the Rotary’s upcoming Christmas Draw, with further events planned before her term ends in June 2026.
Outside of Rotary, Alys plays an active role in her local and international communities. She is a member of the United Reformed Church in Harrogate, has been involved in Girlguiding for over 50 years in both the UK and Germany, and currently serves as Vice-President of an international committee at a Girlguiding World Centre in Cuernavaca, Mexico. She also supports VAMOS, a charity providing meals, education and healthcare to families in need across 10 centres in Cuernavaca.
Reflecting on her experience, Alys said, “This was a huge challenge for me as I’m absolutely terrified of heights, but I’m so glad I did it for such a great cause. Standing at the top of the quarry was terrifying, but I knew I was doing it for something truly worthwhile. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an incredible charity that helps so many people across our region every single day, and having experienced their care myself, I know just how important their work is. I’m delighted to have raised these funds to support their vital missions and to give something back to a service that means so much to me and so many others.”
Jane Horrod, North Yorkshire Community Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “Alys is such an inspiration, showing that it’s never too late to take on a challenge and make a difference. We’re so grateful for her incredible bravery and commitment, not just for the zipline, but for everything she’s done as Ripon Rotary President to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance throughout the year. The funds she has raised will directly help us continue saving lives across the region.”
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity, relying entirely on the generosity of public donations to keep saving lives. Covering 3 million acres and serving a population of around 5 million people, the charity treated over 1,300 patients in 2024, each mission only made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and communities across Yorkshire.