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Rebecca Selkirk

Yorkshire Air Ambulance doctor shares lifesaving open water safety advice during Drowning Prevention Week

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As Drowning Prevention Week (13-20 June) gets underway, Yorkshire Air Ambulance is urging the public to take care around open water following a number of tragic incidents across the UK.

The annual awareness campaign, led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), follows reports of more than 17 people losing their lives in open water incidents across the UK since the start of May. Yorkshire Air Ambulance has already been activated to 14 open water-related incidents across Yorkshire this year. More recently, crews attended three of the incidents reported since May, including emergencies in Halifax, Burnsall and Doncaster.

Dr Stuart Reid, Medical Director at Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), is encouraging people to understand the risks associated with open water and take simple steps that could save lives this summer.

Dr Reid said: “Yorkshire is home to some incredible rivers, reservoirs and beauty spots, but these environments can change quickly and present hidden hazards. One of the biggest dangers is that people often underestimate the risks. Even during periods of warm weather, the water is often much colder than people expect. Every year we see incidents involving people who have entered open water without realising how quickly conditions can affect them. Sadly, being a strong swimmer does not make you immune to these dangers.”

A particular concern for emergency responders is cold water shock, a physiological response that occurs when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water.
Dr Reid explained: “When somebody unexpectedly enters cold water, the body can react instantly. The sudden temperature change can trigger an involuntary gasp reflex, rapid breathing and an increased heart rate. This can make it difficult to control your breathing, stay afloat or swim to safety. People often assume drowning only happens because someone cannot swim, but in reality, even experienced swimmers can find themselves in difficulty if they panic or are affected by cold water shock.”


Yorkshire Air Ambulance is encouraging people to take a few simple precautions before entering open water:


• Never swim alone and always let somebody know where you are going.
• Never jump or dive into unfamiliar water, as there may be hidden hazards beneath the surface.
• Check the water conditions and be aware that temperatures can remain dangerously cold, even during hot weather.
• Avoid entering open water after consuming alcohol, as it can impair judgement and increase the effects of cold water shock.
• Learn the RNLI’s Float to Live technique, which can help people survive the initial effects of cold water immersion.
• Carry a charged mobile phone and know your location in case of an emergency.
• If you see someone in difficulty in the water, call 999 immediately and avoid entering the water yourself unless it is safe to do so.

If an incident does occur, being able to provide an accurate location can help emergency services reach a casualty more quickly. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is therefore encouraging people to download the What3Words app before heading outdoors this summer. The free app assigns every three-metre square in the world a unique three-word address, helping emergency services pinpoint a caller’s exact location when every second counts.

By understanding the risks and taking simple precautions, people can enjoy Yorkshire’s waterways safely throughout the summer months and help reduce the likelihood of preventable water-related emergencies.

To learn more about water safety and Drowning Prevention Week, visit the Royal Life Saving Society UK website. Information about the Float to Live campaign can be found via the RNLI.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance hikers prepare to tackle Three Peaks challenge after raising almost £10,000 last year

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Supporters of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Day One Trauma Support, a Leeds charity supporting people affected by serious and life changing injuries, are preparing to take on one of Yorkshire’s most iconic walking routes this month as the Charity’s popular Hike4Helis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge returns for 2026.

Taking place on Saturday 20 June, the guided fundraising challenge offers supporters the chance to tackle either the full Yorkshire Three Peaks route or a shorter one-peak option, helping to make the event accessible to a wider range of ages and abilities.

This year, more than 40 walkers have already signed up to take part, with places still available for those looking to challenge themselves while supporting the Charity’s lifesaving service across Yorkshire.

Participants taking on the full route will cover approximately 24 miles across Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, setting off from Horton-in-Ribblesdale alongside Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew, charity staff, and CEO Kathryn Marsden OBE.

A shorter six-mile guided Pen-y-ghent route is also available for supporters wanting a gentler introduction to hiking or for adventurous younger walkers keen to support the Charity.

The event is fully guided by experienced outdoor leaders from Over Limits, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance hydration and first aid checkpoints located at Ribblehead Viaduct and Philpin Farm to support walkers throughout the day. Last year, more than 30 supporters completed the challenge in around 12 hours, raising an incredible £9,755 for the Charity.

Every pound raised through the challenge will help Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue delivering lifesaving critical care across the region, with the independent Charity relying entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying and crew responding to emergencies across Yorkshire.

Among those taking part this year are Jo Jones, from Tingley, and her sister-in-law Sarah Carmichael, who are walking in support of Jo’s husband, Jordan Jones, after he suffered life-changing injuries in a serious motorbike collision on Snake Pass (A57) in April 2025.

Jordan, 31, lost both legs following the incident and spent months recovering in hospital, including specialist rehabilitation in Leeds. The family say the support they received following the incident has inspired them to give something back.

Jo said, “Without Yorkshire Air Ambulance, our lives would look very different. They gave our son the chance to grow up with his dad. You never expect it to be you, but now we truly understand and appreciate what Yorkshire Air Ambulance does for families across Yorkshire. Jordan has shown incredible strength throughout his recovery, and we wanted to do something positive together as a family. Taking part in Hike4Helis felt like the perfect way to say thank you.”

The family were also supported during Jordan’s recovery by Day One Trauma Support. The organisation is also hosting its own Yorkshire Three Peaks fundraising walk on the same day, with participants from both charities joining together on the route.

While the events are being run independently, the shared challenge reflects the journey many trauma patients face, from the lifesaving care delivered by Yorkshire Air Ambulance at the roadside through to the rehabilitation and emotional support needed during recovery.

Hayley Ibbotson, Partnerships Manager, at Day One Trauma Support, said: “Jordan’s journey highlights the challenges many people and families face after life-changing injury and the ongoing support that’s needed beyond the hospital bedside and into someone’s recovery journey.  We know what a difference having the right support in place can make long term. 

“It’s incredibly special to see almost 30 of our supporters joining forces with Yorkshire Air Ambulance walkers to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks together. Events like this are about far more than fundraising, they bring people together through shared experiences and show patients and families that they are not facing recovery alone.”

Jordan is hoping to meet Jo and Sarah at the finish line alongside his eight-month-old son, Finley, to cheer them on as they complete the challenge. As he continues his rehabilitation journey and prepares to receive his carbon fibre prosthetic legs, he also hopes to take on his own fundraising challenge in aid of the charities that supported him.

Kathryn Marsden OBE, CEO at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “I’m really looking forward to taking part in this year’s Hike4Helis challenge alongside our supporters, crew and staff. It feels incredibly important to experience first-hand the passion, determination and community spirit behind Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“What makes Hike4Helis so special is that everybody taking part has their own reason for being there, whether that’s supporting a loved one, challenging themselves or simply wanting to make a difference. Every step taken and every pound raised will help our crews continue delivering critical care to patients and families across Yorkshire, and we’re hugely grateful to everybody who has signed up to support us this year.”

All participants will receive a special Hike4Helis Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge medal, generously sponsored by the Gripple Foundation, alongside a free hot sandwich at the finish line.

With limited places still available, anybody interested in taking part can find out more or register here!

Yorkshire Air Ambulance issues public safety warning after dangerous helicopter near miss

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has launched a new public safety campaign after a dangerous incident in South Yorkshire saw objects thrown towards one of its helicopters during a safety-critical take-off following an emergency callout.

During the incident in Rotherham earlier this year, an unsupervised child threw a stone towards the aircraft as crews prepared to depart the scene, missing the helicopter’s rotor blades by just a few metres. Moments later, as the helicopter lifted from the ground, the same child ran directly underneath the aircraft, placing themselves in extreme danger from the force of the downwash.

The incident was formally reported through the Charity’s aviation safety systems and to South Yorkshire Police due to the serious safety risks posed to crew, members of the public and the aircraft itself.

In response, Yorkshire Air Ambulance has released a new public safety film, How To Stay Safe Around Yorkshire Air Ambulance Helicopters, aimed at educating the public on how to act safely when helicopters land at incidents across the region.

Featuring members of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s aviation team, the campaign highlights the real dangers surrounding helicopters during take-off and landing, including powerful rotor blades, intense downwash, restricted crew visibility and the growing risk posed by drones and objects being operated or thrown near aircraft.

While the Charity understands that seeing a helicopter land can be exciting and attract attention, crews are reminding the public that these are highly controlled and safety-critical operations where a split-second distraction or unsafe behaviour could have devastating consequences.

Pilot Paul Smith, who was involved in the incident in Rotherham and features in the new public safety film, said, “People are naturally curious when they see the helicopter land, but these are highly controlled, dangerous and safety-critical operations. Something as small as a stone thrown towards the aircraft, somebody entering the landing area unexpectedly, a drone flying nearby, or a laser being directed at the cockpit can put our crew, patients and members of the public at significant risk.”

YAA CEO Kathryn Marsden OBE added, “Most people are incredibly respectful when they see the helicopter land, but even seemingly small actions around an aircraft can be dangerous. The best thing people can do is keep their distance, ensure children are supervised and keep them close, keep dogs on leads and never approach the helicopter unless instructed to do so by YAA crew members.”

The new campaign film also urges members of the public to be mindful when taking photographs or videos at incidents, asking people to respect the privacy and dignity of patients and families who may be experiencing some of the worst moments of their lives.

The campaign also highlights the dangers posed by drones and lasers near helicopters, warning that any airborne distraction or obstruction could delay crews from landing, treating patients or safely departing the scene.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance hopes the campaign will help improve public understanding of helicopter safety and prevent future incidents from placing crews, patients or members of the public at unnecessary risk.

As an independent Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying and responding to incidents across the region. Operating seven days a week, 365 days a year, the Charity’s crews are dispatched to thousands of incidents annually across Yorkshire, often landing in complex and unpredictable locations to deliver lifesaving critical care. The public safety film is now available to watch on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s YouTube channel, alongside the Charity’s social media channels and website.

Watch here!

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.

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.

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