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Rebecca Selkirk

Shepley Spring renews partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance for a further three years

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Shepley Spring Ltd has renewed its partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance for a further three years, continuing its long-standing support for the Charity’s lifesaving work.

The Yorkshire-based bottled water manufacturer has supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance since 2014 and has donated more than £125,000 to the Charity over that time. As part of the renewed agreement, Shepley Spring has committed to continuing and increasing its support over the next three years, helping to ensure the Charity can continue responding to emergencies across Yorkshire.

Founded by the Smith family in 1996, Shepley Spring has grown from its origins in the village of Shepley near Huddersfield to become one of the UK’s largest family-owned bottled water manufacturers. The company produces popular spring water brands including Ice Valley and White Rock, supplying major retailers such as Morrison’s, Costco, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Iceland and Home Bargains from its Yorkshire sites in Shepley, Kirkburton and Harrogate.

As a Principal Partner of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the Shepley Spring logo proudly appears on the Charity’s three lifesaving helicopters, representing a partnership built on a shared commitment to supporting communities across Yorkshire. Beyond this, the company supports operational teams by supplying Ice Valley bottled water for use at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s air bases and at key fundraising events, including the Charity’s annual golf day and the Hike4Helis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge.

In December 2025, Shepley Spring officially opened its third site in Harrogate, welcoming more than 200 guests to celebrate the milestone. Yorkshire Air Ambulance attended the event as one of the company’s key partners, bringing one of its helicopters along to meet guests and supporters.

Earlier that year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Corporate Fundraising Manager, Helen Berriman, visited the company’s production facility to learn more about its manufacturing process, where bottles and caps are produced on site, and to hear about the company’s plans for further expansion to meet growing demand.

James Smith, Managing Director of Shepley Spring Ltd and part of the founding Smith family, said, “At Shepley Spring we are extremely proud to have supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance for over ten years. As a Yorkshire-based business, and as someone who has always been proud to call Yorkshire my home, supporting our local community is something I care deeply about. Yorkshire Air Ambulance provides an essential, lifesaving service across the region, and their crews make a real difference to people and families at their time of greatest need. We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with such a crucial organisation.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent Charity that relies entirely on donations to keep its helicopters flying and critical care teams responding to emergencies across the region. In 2025 alone, the Charity treated 1,324 patients across Yorkshire, responding to incidents including road traffic collisions and cardiac arrests.

Helen Berriman, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Shepley Spring for their continued support and for renewing their partnership with us for another three years. As a Yorkshire-based family business, their commitment to supporting our lifesaving service means a great deal to us. Their support not only helps keep our helicopters flying, but also ensures our crews are supported at base and at events across the region. Partnerships like this play a vital role in helping us continue responding to patients when every second counts.”

Through the continued support of partners such as Shepley Spring, Yorkshire Air Ambulance can remain ready to respond when patients across Yorkshire need it most. For more information about visit our corporate partnerships page.

Koris365 marks 20 years of supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity (YAA) is celebrating 20 years of partnership with Leeds based IT services provider Koris365, recognising two decades of vital behind-the-scenes support that has helped keep the charity’s life-saving operations running smoothly.

The partnership began in January 2006 and has been renewed every three years through a formal Gift in Kind agreement, providing Yorkshire Air Ambulance with ongoing IT support, infrastructure and specialist expertise. Koris365 currently provides around £34,000 of IT support each year, helping to ensure the charity’s systems remain reliable and secure.

During that time, the Koris365 team has resolved more than 20,000 IT support tickets and carried out around 80 service reviews, helping to ensure the Charity’s systems are always working, so the team can carry out their life saving work without worrying about IT.

From keeping systems secure and consistently working to supporting strategic projects, Koris365’s work helps ensure Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s teams can focus on what matters most, responding rapidly to patients across Yorkshire when seconds count.

To mark the milestone, members of the Koris365 team were recently welcomed to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Base by Andrew Hastings, the charity’s IT Manager, alongside Corporate Manager Helen Berriman. During the visit, the Koris365 team met the crew, saw the helicopter up close and learned more about the charity’s life-saving operations.

Clive Atkins, Managing Director at Koris365, said, “We feel privileged and proud to support such a hugely important Charity.  YAA’s services can mean the difference between life and death to people across Yorkshire, and as a local organisation we are delighted to be part of the team, supporting them through trusted technology and expert guidance.  We look forward to helping YAA for many more years to come.”  

Alongside their long-standing IT partnership, Koris365 has continued to deepen its relationship with the charity by supporting key fundraising events, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Official Golf Day and attending its St Leger Race Day, as well as organising numerous cake sales and staff-led fundraising activities.

Andrew Hastings, IT Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “Our IT systems are absolutely critical to how we operate, from day-to-day communications through to the secure handling of information and data. Having Koris365 as a trusted partner for the past 20 years has given us confidence that our technology is robust, resilient and able to support the demands of an emergency service. Their expertise allows our teams to concentrate on delivering the best possible care to patients across Yorkshire.”

In 2025, Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity treated more than 1,300 patients across Yorkshire, with life-threatening cardiac emergencies accounting for 64% of all medical cases attended. As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, partners and fundraisers across the region to keep its life-saving service operational.

Helen Berriman, Corporate Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added, “Long-term partnerships such as this play a crucial role in sustaining our life-saving service. Koris365’s support over the past 20 years, combined with their continued involvement through fundraising and events, has made a meaningful difference to our charity. We are extremely grateful for their commitment and look forward to working together for many years to come.”

To find out how your business can support Yorkshire Air Ambulance and help keep our lifesaving service flying across the region, visit our corporate partnerships page.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott announced as guest speaker for Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity golf day at Alwoodley

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance has announced the return of its annual charity golf day for 2026, with cricketing legend and YAA Patron, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, OBE confirmed as after-dinner speaker.

Taking place on Thursday 21 May 2026 at the prestigious Alwoodley Golf Club, the event will bring together supporters, businesses and golf enthusiasts for a full day of competition and hospitality, all in support of the charity’s lifesaving work across Yorkshire.

Delivered as a four-ball, shotgun-start tournament, the day will begin with breakfast and refreshments on arrival, followed by play on one of England’s finest inland courses. Guests will then enjoy a two-course lunch, with Sir Geoffrey Boycott, OBE joining attendees to share stories and reflections from his career, and his long-standing support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance as a Patron of the charity.

Alwoodley Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the country’s premier heathland courses. Designed by renowned architect Dr Alister MacKenzie, the par-71 course is known for its fast-running fairways, strategic bunkering, challenging inward nine and signature uphill finishing hole, offering a fitting test for golfers of all abilities.

Alongside the main competition, players will also take part in on-course challenges and all guests will receive a goody bag, with a raffle and silent auction taking place during the day, featuring a range of prizes including an authenticated, signed boxing glove worn by Muhammad Ali, presented in a glass display case.

Sir Geoffrey Boycott OBE, Patron of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “This is a Charity that means a great deal to people all across Yorkshire and I am delighted to be a long-standing Patron. The crews do an outstanding job, often in very difficult circumstances, and they rely on support from the public and businesses to keep going. Events like this help make sure the helicopters and crews can continue being there when people need them most. The golf day is an opportunity to enjoy a great course, good company and raise funds for such a vital service. I’m looking forward to joining everyone at Alwoodley and being part of what promises to be a very special day, and hopefully getting a round in myself!.”

The event is priced at £230 per person, with all proceeds supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s essential operations. The charity receives no direct government funding and relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses to keep its helicopters and critical care teams responding to emergencies across the region.

The event will also be supported by corporate partners, with opportunities available for businesses to get involved through headline and hole sponsorship. The day offers organisations the chance to entertain clients or colleagues, connect with other supporters, and align with one of Yorkshire’s most recognised emergency charities.

Helen Berriman, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “Events like our Charity golf day are a wonderful way to bring businesses together in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the lifesaving work our crews carry out every day. We’re incredibly grateful to the organisations who have already pledged their support, and we would warmly welcome other businesses to join us as sponsors for the 2026 event. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a special day at Alwoodley, while aligning with a Charity that serves communities across Yorkshire. The support of our corporate partners plays a vital role in helping us continue being there for those who need us most.”

Places for the charity golf day are limited due to the format of the event, and teams and individual players are now invited to register their interest.

To find out more about the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity golf day, including team entry and sponsorship opportunities, or to book your place, please visit www.yaa.org.uk/event/yaa-golf-day-2026/

Bedale dentist to ride 4,000km to Dakar in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity

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A Bedale dentist is preparing to ride more than 4,000km from the Yorkshire Dales to West Africa to raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity, in memory of her late mother.

Teresa Robinson, 55, will set off on Saturday 14 March on an ambitious motorcycling journey to Dakar, Senegal, as part of a group of ten riders. The three-and-a-half-week, 4,000-mile challenge will see her travel from her home in the Yorkshire Dales, through France, Spain, Morocco, Western Sahara and Mauritania, before reaching Senegal, tackling mountain passes, vast desert terrain and remote dirt roads along the way.

Inspired by the original Paris–Dakar Rally route, the once-in-a-lifetime adventure has long been on Teresa’s bucket list. She will be the only woman in the group and hopes to raise vital funds to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity, which relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying.

Teresa, who has been riding motorbikes since she was 21, will complete the challenge on her Honda CRF 300 Rally dual sport bike. She says learning to ride in sand will be one of the toughest parts of the journey, as she prepares to cross the Sahara Desert.

Teresa is undertaking the challenge in memory of her mother, Catherine Robinson, who was airlifted to hospital by Yorkshire Air Ambulance following a serious road traffic collision. Following the incident, the Charity remained close to Catherine’s heart, and her story was later featured on the BBC series Helicopter Heroes.

Speaking about the challenge, Teresa said: “Yorkshire Air Ambulance holds a very special place in my family’s heart. They were there for my mum after a serious car accident, and we will always be grateful for the lifesaving care they provided. This challenge is my way of giving something back, and while it will be tough at times, I’m expecting plenty of excitement along the way. Knowing I’m supporting such an incredible charity and thinking of the many bikers and families they’ve helped, will keep me going every mile.”

So far, Teresa has raised over £1000 through her JustGiving page, with support from 22 donors, and hopes to raise as much as possible before she sets off in March.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Teresa for choosing to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance through this challenge. Every fundraiser plays a vital role in helping us continue delivering lifesaving care across Yorkshire and being there for patients when they need us most. We wish Teresa the very best of luck as she sets off on this journey and thank her for helping ensure we can continue responding to emergencies across the region.”

To support Teresa’s challenge and help Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue saving lives across the region, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/teresa-robinson-1

Yorkshire’s Air Ambulance Pilots Celebrate Landmark Career Milestones

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Two of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s most experienced pilots have each achieved an exceptional aviation milestone, surpassing 6,000 flying hours each, a landmark rarely reached within Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) operations.

Chief Pilot Owen McTeggart and Pilot Training Captain Garry Brasher have reached the career total following decades of service, thousands of challenging landings, and a commitment to delivering safe, expert flying for patients across Yorkshire. Between them, the two pilots have accumulated more than 58 years of operational flying experience across military, police and air ambulance aviation.

Both pilots began their aviation careers in the British Army, where they trained together as military helicopter pilots between 1996-1997 at the Army School of Aviation, Middle Wallop, Hampshire, then serving operationally across the globe, before leaving the forces and building extensive civilian flying experience.

Garry went on to fly with PremiAir Aviation, supporting the police, and within the UK air ambulance sector before joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance 13 years ago, making him the charity’s longest-serving pilot. Owen initially began flying for Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2012 before his career took him elsewhere within the air ambulance sector, later returning to the charity seven years ago and reuniting the two pilots once again. 

Reaching 6,000 flying hours is significant in any aviation role, but it is particularly notable within HEMS operations. Unlike commercial aviation, where flights can last several hours, air ambulance pilots typically carry out numerous short, high-intensity sorties each day, often involving confined landing sites, unpredictable weather conditions and time-critical decision-making. Each hour represents sustained concentration, judgement and hands-on operational experience, making the milestone a clear measure of both skill and consistency.

Today, Owen and Garry’s experience plays a vital role beyond the cockpit. As Chief Pilot and Training Captain, they are responsible for mentoring and developing Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s team of pilot and technical crew members, maintaining rigorous training standards and embedding best practice across the service, helping to ensure the charity continues to deliver the highest levels of aviation safety for every mission.

Over the course of their careers at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, both pilots have flown hundreds of missions supporting patients in towns, cities and rural communities across the region.

The achievement was marked at the charity’s Nostell Air Base, where both pilots were congratulated with a bottle of champagne by Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Director of Aviation, Steve Wardby. He said, “Reaching 6,000 flying hours in a HEMS environment is an outstanding achievement and reflects the professionalism, judgement and commitment Owen and Garry bring to the role every day. Their experience strengthens our entire aviation operation and directly contributes to the safe, reliable service our patients rely on.”

Reflecting on his milestone, Pilot Training Captain Garry Brasher said, “I genuinely love flying for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so reaching this point in my career feels incredibly special. HEMS flying gives you opportunities you simply wouldn’t experience elsewhere, from landing in places you’d never reach in any other type of flying to operating a fantastic aircraft, all while knowing that every flight has a clear purpose and a real impact for patients across Yorkshire. Just as important to me is working with other pilots, helping to build confidence and share experience so we continue to grow as a strong, capable team.”

Chief Pilot Owen McTeggart added, “Six thousand flying hours is something I’m very proud of, particularly knowing how hands-on air ambulance flying is. Every flight brings different challenges, and that keeps you focused and learning throughout your career. As Chief Pilot, being able to use that experience to support our crews, maintain high standards and ensure every mission is flown as safely as possible for our patients is something I take great pride in.”

Looking ahead, both pilots say their focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of safe flying. While a distant milestone of 8,760 flying hours, the equivalent of one full year spent airborne, remains their next theoretical target, both agree that continuing to fly safely and supporting the development of future pilots is their priority.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity (YAA) has today announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer. Kathryn will take up the position from 9th March 2026.

Kathryn brings over 36 years’ experience working and leading social care and health organisations across the UK and will join YAA from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), where she is currently CEO. Kathryn was also recognised in the King’s New Years Honors list 2025 with an OBE for services to social care.

Mike Harrop, Chair of Trustees at YAA said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kathryn to YAA as our new Chief Executive. Her experience in the care sector and clear commitment to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to develop, enhance and deliver life-saving critical care to patients across Yorkshire. Our Trustees are fully confident that Kathryn will provide strong, compassionate leadership and strategic direction that we need to continue to progress.”

In her new role, Kathryn will be responsible for leading the charity’s strategic direction, operational performance, and financial sustainability, while maintaining the highest standards of patient care, clinical development, safety, and governance.

Kathryn added: “I am honoured to be appointed as the new CEO of YAA and feel very privileged to be joining such a well loved and respected charity. YAA’s dedication to saving lives and supporting communities is inspiring, and I look forward to working with the highly skilled crews, staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this vital service possible. I am very much looking forward to leading YAA into its next chapter.”

This appointment signals an exciting new era for YAA who have just celebrated their 25th anniversary. The charity is focusing on delivering a new strategy investing in clinical capabilities and development to 2035 and beyond, providing the best care possible to their patients.

YAA is an independent charity, delivering year-round, rapid-response emergency critical care across Yorkshire, to those in their most vital time of need. The charity is currently building a brand-new Northern airbase at Skipton Bridge near Thirsk which will be operational from late summer 2026. The new base will complement the charity’s other airbase at Nostell near Wakefield.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance generates over £52,000 at its first ever fundraising ball

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating the success of its ‘A Reyt Good Do – Flat Cap & Feathers Ball’, held as part of the charity’s 25th anniversary year which generated an impressive £52,649 income to help keep the charity’s life-saving helicopters flying.

Held last month at Aspire in Leeds City Centre, the charity welcomed over 250 guests to its first ever fundraising ball, including Patron Sir Geoffrey Boycott, to a standout night of Yorkshire flair, fundraising and celebration. The flat cap and feathers theme brought the county’s personality to life, with guests embracing an evening of true Yorkshire spirit.

Guests were welcomed with a sparkling drinks reception before sitting down to a three-course fine dining experience, expertly prepared by Aspire’s executive chef team. From there, the celebrations continued into the early hours, with entertainment including a standout set from Yorkshire comedian Steff Todd, famed for her ‘Yorkshire Kardashians’ sketches, along with live music and the ever-popular game of Heads and Tails, which brought the room together and raised almost £2,000 on its own.

A lively auction, expertly led by Bangers & Cash’s Derek Mathewson, saw guests bid generously on a range of exclusive prizes, including a racehorse owner experience, exclusive brewery visits and the chance to go behind the scenes with Derek at one of his famous auctions, whilst filming for the next series of Bangers and Cash.The events silent auction and raffle drew even more support from the room.

The evening also included a poignant speech from the charity’s Chairman, Mike Harrop, who reflected on 25 years of saving lives across Yorkshire and highlighted the importance of continued support as YAA looks to the future. The night was expertly compered by Dan Smith who kept the energy high throughout and shared inspiring patient stories that reminded guests exactly what their generosity helps to make possible.

Kate James, Event Coordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who helped to organise the event, said, “Planning our first ever fundraising ball was both exciting and a real learning curve, so to see it all come together on the night was incredibly rewarding. The response from our guests was fantastic, from the way everyone embraced the theme, to the enthusiasm during the auction and games, and the atmosphere continued on the dancefloor right through to 1am! We’re thrilled that our supporters trusted us with something new, and even more delighted that it raised such a significant total for the charity.”

The event was proudly supported by main sponsors Sovereign Health Care, RBC Brewin Dolphin and Rosemont Pharmaceuticals, whose generosity helped make the night possible.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance said, “Generating over £52,000 in just one night is an extraordinary achievement and a real reflection of the generosity and community spirit that surrounds Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Every pound will help us continue delivering urgent, life-saving care to people across the region when they need it most. In this 25th anniversary year, this event felt like the perfect way to celebrate our service and the people of Yorkshire who have supported us every step of the way.”

As Yorkshire Air Ambulance looks beyond its 25th anniversary year, the charity remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the people of Yorkshire to secure the future of its life-saving service.

Teenager Left Unconscious After High-Speed Mountain Bike Crash Rescued by Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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The final episode of the current series of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really and discovery+ this Friday 21st November at 9PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they respond to a teenage mountain biker left unresponsive after a high-speed crash on a remote woodland trail.

19-year-old Caitlin Sharpe had been out riding with her dad and boyfriend when she came off her bike at around 27mph, hitting the ground face-first. With no phone signal in the area, her dad ran to a nearby farmhouse to call 999 while her boyfriend stayed with her. A land ambulance crew reached Caitlin first and, concerned by her reduced level of consciousness, requested critical care support from the YAA medical team.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Topcliffe-based crew, comprised of Paramedic Stew Ashburner-McManus and Paramedic Fiona Blaylock, was dispatched to the scene, joining the land crew on a narrow trail around five miles from the nearest road.

On arrival, Fiona and Stew found Caitlin conscious but not speaking, responding only with eye opening and movement to commands. With a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 11 and clear signs of a head injury, the team carried out a focused neurological assessment to establish the extent of her symptoms.

Stew said, “Given the speed she’d come off her bike and how limited her responses were, we were worried about how much her brain had been affected. In cases like this, you start thinking ahead about whether a patient may need to be placed in a medical coma to protect their brain from further deterioration.”

Caitlin’s reduced responsiveness suggested she might soon struggle to maintain her airway, prompting the crew to prepare for the possibility of performing a Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), the procedure used to place a patient into a medically induced coma to protect their brain. As an RSI can only be carried out by a doctor, they requested the doctor-led critical care team from the charity’s Nostell Air Base to attend.

While waiting for the Nostell crew to arrive, Fiona and Stew began preparing Caitlin for their arrival by moving her off the trail floor and onto a scoop stretcher, making any onward transfer or medical interventions easier. Within minutes, the Nostell crew landed nearby, and Dr James Sen and Paramedic Tom Chatwyn made their way to the scene with the help of a local groundsman, who drove them part of the way up the woodland track in his pickup truck.

After receiving a full handover, Dr James reassessed Caitlin and found her condition had improved; she was now giving short answers, and her Glasgow Coma Scale score had improved.

Dr James said, “Caitlin hadn’t been responding earlier, but by the time we arrived she was able to answer our questions. That improvement was reassuring and showed us that her brain was receiving enough oxygen, meaning we didn’t need to put her to sleep.”

With her injuries including a deep facial laceration, chest abrasions from the impact and suspected spinal damage, the teams worked together to stabilise Caitlin and manage her pain before preparing her for rapid transport. Given the remote location and the fact that the nearest major trauma centre was more than an hour away by road, Caitlin was flown to James Cook University Hospital in a seven-minute flight.

Caitlin spent three days in hospital, where scans revealed multiple fractures including her jaw, nose, finger, and a T7 spinal fracture. She is now recovering at home and despite the seriousness of her injuries, Caitlin is determined to return to the sport she loves.

Speaking about the crash, Caitlin said, “I’ve got a fractured jaw in multiple places, a broken tooth, damage to my tongue, several small fractures in my nose and a T7 spine fracture with ligament damage. There was blood all over my helmet, inside and out, and it definitely saved my life that day. I’m doing much better now and hope to be back on my bike very soon. I’m incredibly grateful to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew and everyone who helped me.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Marks 25 Years by Personally Thanking Supporters Across Yorkshire

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has hosted its third annual ‘Ta Very Much’ day, a charity-wide initiative dedicated to personally thanking supporters from every corner of Yorkshire.

The event saw crew members, fundraising teams, office staff and trustees briefly stepping away from their daily duties to come together to make 300 personal phone calls and write more than 730 notelets to their supporters, which are all set to land on doormats across the region in the coming days.

The postcards and calls were made to a randomly selected group of supporters from across the charity’s wide donor base, ensuring every region of Yorkshire was represented, including those who have given one-off donations, regularly supported the charity, backed YAA through their business or fundraising activities, or even played the charity’s lottery.

The annual ‘Ta Very Much’ day was first launched in 2023 and has quickly become a meaningful tradition for the charity. Holding this year’s event during YAA’s 25th anniversary year added extra significance, offering the team a chance to reflect on the people who have helped make a quarter-century of lifesaving missions possible.

Emma Pearson, Individual Giving Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “Ta Very Much Day is one of the most uplifting days in our calendar. It gives us the chance to pause, pick up the phone, and say a genuine, heartfelt thank you to the people who make our work possible. Whether someone donates £2 or £2,000, plays our lottery, supports a raffle, or gives through their business, every contribution helps keep our helicopters in the air and our crew responding to emergencies across the region. We couldn’t let our 25th anniversary year pass without celebrating the people who have supported us.”

The conversations held on the day were deeply valued and sparked genuine moments of joy, including one individual who was so moved by their call that they expressed an interest in becoming a registered volunteer. Although it isn’t possible to thank everyone personally, the charity hopes the day offered a small glimpse of the gratitude felt towards all those who have helped keep YAA flying over the past 25 years.

Specialist Paramedic Tammy Williams, who took time between missions to write postcards, added, “When you’re out on a mission, you don’t often get to meet the people who make it possible for us to do what we do. Writing those notelets was a lovely reminder that behind every flight, every kit bag, every lifesaving intervention, there’s someone in Yorkshire who cared enough to donate to our cause. Without them, we simply couldn’t reach the patients who need us most.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity with no direct government or NHS funding, relying on the generosity of individuals, communities and businesses to keep its helicopters flying.

Doncaster Motorcyclist Placed in Induced Coma Following Serious Collision

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The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really and discovery+ this Friday 14th November at 9PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they respond to a major road traffic collision in Doncaster that left a young motorcyclist with multiple serious injuries and a bleed on the brain.

20-year-old Kaiden Marshall was just minutes from home, , when he collided with a car. The impact threw him several metres from the bike, knocking off his helmet and leaving him in and out of consciousness. Multiple 999 calls were made by witnesses, and a land ambulance was quickly dispatched before requesting critical care support from YAA medical team, concerned that Kaiden may have sustained a serious head injury.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell-based crew, consisting of Dr Stuart Reid and Paramedic Tammy Williams, arrived at the scene within minutes. Landing in a nearby field just a few metres from the crash site, the team had to climb a fence to reach Kaiden, where they joined the local ambulance paramedics who had already moved him from the roadside into the back of their ambulance.

Kaiden had sustained facial injuries, a suspected broken jaw, shoulder pain, and was showing signs of confusion and agitation, both common symptoms of a significant head injury.

Dr Reid explained, “When we arrived, Kaiden was clearly distressed and showing signs of a head injury. He was restless, confused and wouldn’t keep still, which made it difficult to communicate or assess him properly. My concern was that he could deteriorate quickly, so we needed to stabilise him and take control of his airway to keep him safe.”

Tammy inserted a cannula and administered ketamine, a powerful pain-relieving drug commonly used in emergency medicine. However, when Kaiden showed no improvement and continued to deteriorate, the team made the critical decision to perform a Rapid Sequence Induction (RSI), a complex procedure used to place a patient into a medically induced coma.

Dr Reid continued, “An RSI is one of the most critical interventions we perform. It removes a patient’s ability to breathe on their own, so everything has to be done with absolute precision. In any high-stress situation, we rely on our RSI checklist to make sure nothing is missed. It’s a vital aid that keeps the whole team coordinated and ensures the procedure is performed safely.”

Kaiden was given a combination of three drugs to allow the crew to take control of his breathing. Once sedated, YAA Paramedic Tammy had only seconds to insert a tube into his windpipe, place him on a ventilator, and prepare him for transfer to hospital.

Dr Reid pre-alerted the trauma team at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital as the crew made the short journey by land ambulance to the nearby helicopter. He was then transferred into the aircraft and flown the six-minute flight to hospital where the waiting trauma team were ready for his arrival.

Kaiden spent three days in a coma and a week in hospital, where he was treated for a bleed on the brain, a broken jaw, and a fractured foot and is now recovering well at home.

Speaking about the crash, Kaiden said, “I can’t remember much. I remember putting my tracksuit on and then nothing until I woke up in hospital with my mum and everyone around me. They told me I’d had a bad crash and a bleed on the brain. I still have some ankle pain and short-term memory loss, but I’m recovering really well. I’m just so thankful the Air Ambulance could come straight out and help me. I’d love to meet the doctor one day, shake his hand, and say thank you for what he did.”

Alongside Kaiden’s story, this week’s episode also features a man who broke his tibia and fibula while on a walking holiday with his son, the driver of a car that overturned into a hedge on the A19, and an 80-year-old cyclist who spent more than a month in hospital after coming off his bike on the Trans Pennine Trail.

Teenager Found Unconscious on Moor Rescued by Yorkshire Air Ambulance After Overnight Quad Bike Crash

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The latest episode of Yorkshire Air 999, airing on Really and discovery+ this Friday 7th November at 9PM, follows the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team as they respond to an unconscious teenager found on a remote moorland track in Upper Nidderdale after a late-night quad bike crash left him exposed to the elements for more than seven hours.

18-year-old farmer Edward Suttill had been riding home in the early hours when his quad bike flipped on a rugged track near Scar House Reservoir, just east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With no phone signal and no witnesses, Edward lay injured, unconscious and alone through the night.

It was only when his parents woke in the morning that they realised Edward hadn’t returned home the previous evening and set out looking for him, before calling 999.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Topcliffe-based Critical Care Team, consisting of Paramedic Andy Armitage and Paramedic Stewart Ashburner-McManus, were scrambled to the scene, flying the 20-mile journey in just ten minutes. With the nearest major trauma centre more than an hour away by road, the helicopter was crucial to Edward’s chances of survival.

Paramedic Andy said, “When we flew overhead to try and locate the patient, we spotted a very large overturned quad bike. Seeing the size of it immediately raised concerns about the force involved and the injuries that could follow, from head and chest trauma to pelvic fractures or internal bleeding”.

On arrival, the crew were told by Edward’s familythat he had stopped talking around 20 minutes earlier. The outside temperature overnight had dropped to around nine degrees, putting him at risk of hypothermia, which can slow the brain, weaken the heart and quickly become life-threatening.

Andy said, “I was really concerned because his level of consciousness was low, he had blood around his head, and we knew he’d been there all night. When someone’s been exposed to the cold for that long, you’re thinking: is he unconscious because of hypothermia, because of a head injury, or both? Either way, we needed to move quickly”.

The team gave Edward oxygen through a mask to support his breathing and carried out an urgent primary assessment, cutting away his clothing to check for hidden injuries. With his Glasgow Coma Scale score at 11, indicating a moderate head injury, and his skin already cold to the touch, the priority was to move him fast and protect him from further heat loss.

Andy said, “We didn’t want to spend any more time on the moor than necessary. He needed scans, warmth and a specialist trauma team, and the only way to get all of that fast was by air”.

Edward was carefully lifted onto a scoop stretcher, before being placed in a thermal sleeping bag to help retain heat and begin gently warming him. He was then carried to the helicopter for the 12 minute flight to Leeds General Infirmary, where trauma teams were standing by.

Edward was treated for hypothermia and underwent scans that revealed two bleeds on the brain and a fractured shoulder blade. After four weeks at Leeds General Infirmary and a further two at James Cook Hospital, he returned home to continue his recovery and is now back on his quad bike.

Speaking about the accident, Edward said, “We’d had a good night, and I set off home on the quad, but I didn’t quite make it. The next thing I remember properly was being in hospital. I had two bleeds on the brain, but luckily they didn’t have to operate. They told me my short-term memory had taken a hit, but the only thing I’ve forgotten is the accident, so I think I’ve done quite well”.

Alongside Edward’s story, this episode also features a 55-year-old man who suffered a heart attack after collapsing at home, a sailor knocked unconscious by his boat’s hull, and a 33-year-old woman thrown from her motorbike into a dry stone wall.

83-Year-Old Rotary President Takes on 60mph Zipline for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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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.

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