Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been honoured at this year’s White Rose Community Awards, which celebrate some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations making a real difference in their communities.
The annual awards, hosted by White Rose Shopping Centre, recognise grassroots leaders, dedicated volunteers, and inspirational community organisations who go above and beyond to improve lives across the region, from charity work and accessibility initiatives to environmental projects and support for vulnerable people.
This year’s ceremony celebrated an inspiring group of winners, including Angela Vyas, West Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who was recognised for her outstanding dedication and community spirit.
Angela has led countless fundraising activities, from raffles and tombolas to a table tennis marathon and lively performances by the Wakeylele band at the shopping centre, all helping to fund the vital missions of Yorkshire Air Ambulance across the region. She has also helped to build a strong network of volunteers throughout West Yorkshire, ensuring the charity remains a visible and valued part of the communities it serves.
Angela said, “It’s such an honour to receive this award and to be recognised alongside so many amazing people making a difference. I love coming to White Rose for events and stalls. The team and customers are always so friendly, keen to learn about Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and incredibly generous in their support. The kindness and enthusiasm we see from supporters at White Rose reminds me why I love what I do, and every event and donation helps keep our helicopters flying so we can be there for those who need us most.”
Winners received bespoke trophies crafted by students from a local college, along with jars of White Rose’s own honey, produced by bees on the centre’s rooftop and not available to the public.
Other award winners included community leaders, charity founders, and volunteers such as Sunjeeda Hanif, Founder of Women’s Whispers, who provides a vital lifeline for women in crisis through practical support and safe spaces; Mark Hodgkinson, a long-serving youth mentor and volunteer who has spent over 20 years supporting young people and organising community events across the city; and Tom Riordan CBE, honoured for his outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to Leeds through his years of public service and contribution to major regeneration projects.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said, “South Leeds is home to many inspiring individuals and organisations, and it’s an honour to celebrate their passion, care, and commitment through our Community Awards. Each winner has made an incredible difference to the lives of others, and we’re proud to recognise their impact.”
Yorkshire Air Ambulance is incredibly proud of Angela’s recognition and grateful to White Rose Shopping Centre for highlighting the work of community champions across the city.