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Fundraising

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.

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.

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.

Reed Boardall unveils new trailer design to raise profile of Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Reed Boardall, one of the UK’s largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses, has unveiled a striking new flagship trailer design, proudly showcasing its support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

The new trailer design features Reed Boardall’s much-loved polar bear mascot at the controls of a YAA helicopter, with both organisations’ logos clearly displayed. This dedicated trailer, with its eye-catching graphics, will travel the length and breadth of Yorkshire and beyond, helping raise awareness of the lifesaving charity with every journey.

The launch is the latest step in Reed Boardall’s long-standing partnership with YAA, which began in 2020 when the company became a Principal Partner. Since then, Reed Boardall has raised over £139,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance through employee fundraising, sponsorship, and awareness activities. The charity honoured Reed Boardall with a Special Partnership Award at its 2023 Recognition Awards evening, celebrating the company’s outstanding support.

Marcus Boardall, Chief Executive of Reed Boardall, said, “At Reed Boardall, we are very proud to stand alongside Yorkshire Air Ambulance. As a business with hundreds of vehicles travelling through communities every day, we recognise the responsibility we have to use that visibility for good. Our new flagship truck is a striking reminder of the incredible work YAA does across the region, and we hope they will inspire even more people to support this vital charity.

“We also appreciate the support of some of our loyal suppliers who have contributed to the new trailer design – many thanks to John Fletcher, Managing Director of Dawson group Truck and Trailer, and to Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK and Northern Europe of Carrier Transicold.”

Every year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance responds to over 1,300 emergencies, bringing hospital-level treatment directly to the scene of some of Yorkshire’s most serious incidents. The charity receives no direct government funding and relies on public donations and the steadfast support of business partners like Reed Boardall to sustain its lifesaving service.

Katie Roberts, Director of Relationship Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added, “Reed Boardall’s fleet travels thousands of miles every week, and this specially designed trailer will take awareness of our lifesaving work into every corner of Yorkshire. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support over the past five years and proud to share such a special relationship with a company that embodies the same Yorkshire values at its heart.”

Reed Boardall’s support extends far beyond fundraising, from backing high-profile events such as the charity’s 25th anniversary ball to finding creative ways of raising awareness in the community. Their specially branded trailer stands as a visible symbol of a partnership built on shared values, ensuring Yorkshire Air Ambulance remains front of mind for people across the region.

Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, storing and delivering frozen food from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets. With a fleet of over 200 vehicles operating 24 hours a day, year round, it delivers 12,000 pallets of frozen food daily for its clients as well as providing a range of complementary services including ancillary blast freezing, picking and packing. The company employs almost 800 staff at its single site in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Recycling Scheme Reaches £1 Million Milestone

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) and textile recycling company Recycling Solutions are celebrating an incredible £1 million in donations, made possible by the generosity of people across Yorkshire donating their unwanted clothing, shoes and textiles.

Katie Roberts, Director of Relationship Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added, “Reaching the £1 million milestone in our 25th anniversary year is an incredible achievement and a testament to the generosity and community spirit of people across Yorkshire. Every donation, whether it’s a single item or a whole bag, plays a vital role in keeping our helicopters flying and our critical care teams ready to respond. We are hugely grateful to Recycling Solutions for their expertise and commitment, and to everyone who has chosen recycling as a way to support us. Together, we can build on this success and continue to grow this important partnership.”

Katie Roberts, Director of Relationship Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, added, “Reaching the £1 million milestone in our 25th anniversary year is an incredible achievement and a testament to the generosity and community spirit of people across Yorkshire. Every donation, whether it’s a single item or a whole bag, plays a vital role in keeping our helicopters flying and our critical care teams ready to respond. We are hugely grateful to Recycling Solutions for their expertise and commitment, and to everyone who has chosen recycling as a way to support us. Together, we can build on this success and continue to grow this important partnership.”

Every month, more than 90 tonnes of unwanted clothing and textiles are donated through YAA’s recycling banks, with each item sorted and repurposed to give it a new lease of life wherever possible. Once collected, donations are taken to a local hub, baled, and sold to trusted trading partners in the UK and overseas. The majority of good-quality clothing finds its way to second-hand shops in countries including Ukraine, India, and across Europe, providing affordable clothing to communities worldwide.

Items that are no longer wearable are recycled into fibres for products such as cleaning cloths, insulation, and household items, helping to reduce textile waste and protect the environment. All partners in the process are committed to zero waste and operate only in free and fair-trade markets, ensuring every donation is used in the most responsible and ethical way possible. The scheme provides a regular and sustainable income stream for the charity at no cost to its supporters and supports the environment by encouraging zero waste and recycling.

Wendy Yarney, Recycling bank coordinator at Recycling Solutions, said, “Reaching £1 million in donations for Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a milestone our whole team is proud to celebrate. Behind every pound raised is a team of people working hard to make sure every donation is collected, processed, and given a second life. It’s inspiring to see how the simple act of donating unwanted clothing can have such a far-reaching impact, both for the environment and for people in urgent need of medical care. We’re excited about the future and look forward to expanding our network of banks across Yorkshire, ensuring even greater support for YAA in the years ahead.”

As Yorkshire Air Ambulance marks its 25th anniversary year, the charity is calling on the public to celebrate by turning unwanted clothing into vital funds. This Recycle Week (22–28 September), supporters are invited to take on the “Recycle 25 in 25” challenge by donating 25 pre-loved clothing items to their nearest YAA recycling bank. Every bag donated helps to keep the charity’s helicopters in the air and ready to reach those who need them most.

Join “Recycle 25 in 25,” find your nearest recycling bank, and learn more about YAA’s recycling scheme at www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk/recycling

North Yorkshire Council Chair completes Over 190-mile Coast-to-Coast walk for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Cllr George Jabbour, Chair of North Yorkshire Council, has completed the iconic Coast-to-Coast walk, raising vital funds and awareness for his chosen charity of the year, Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The over 190-mile route stretches from St Bees on the Cumbrian coast to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, and has seen Cllr Jabbour face gale-force winds from Storm Floris as well as extreme summer heat during his trek.

Cllr Jabbour began his challenge on 2 August, walking the route in two stages. The first stage took him 10 days to complete, and this final stage a further 8 days, finishing on Tuesday afternoon where he was greeted at Robin Hood’s Bay by the charity’s two mascots, Pilot Percy and Paramedic Polly.

So far, he has raised over £4,100 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance since taking on the Coast-to-Coast challenge, one of several fundraising events planned during his tenure as Chair. His next challenge will be the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Three Peaks Challenge in early September, where he will be tackling the iconic peaks alongside other YAA supporters and members of the air ambulance crew.

Reflecting on his achievement, Cllr Jabbour said, “It has been a wonderful experience, and I have really enjoyed it; it’s given me a huge sense of achievement. Walking 190 miles through such varied conditions has been both challenging and rewarding, but knowing I was raising money for such an important cause has kept me motivated. Even though the Coast-to-Coast challenge covers a huge distance, it is only a tiny proportion of the area the YAA has to cover every day. That has really put things into perspective and made me even more determined to continue supporting their vital work.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance serves five million people across the region, responding to over 1,300 missions last year alone, bringing hospital-level treatment directly to the scene of some of Yorkshire’s most serious incidents. The charity receives no direct government funding and relies on public fundraising and donations to sustain its lifesaving service.

Katie Roberts, Director of Relationship Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We would like to congratulate Cllr Jabbour on completing this incredible challenge. Walking 190 miles is no small feat, and we are so grateful for his dedication in raising both vital funds and awareness for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The support we receive through challenges like this ensures we can continue saving lives across Yorkshire.”  

Cllr Jabbour’s Coast-to-Coast achievement also highlights the exciting fundraising challenges supporters can take on for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Although entries for this year’s YAA Three Peaks Challenge have now closed, supporters are encouraged to sign up for the 2026 event or even take on their own personal challenges to raise money for the charity.

Donations towards Cllr Jabbour’s fundraising can be made through his JustGiving page.

D. M. Keith Motor Group Supplies New Hybrid Vehicles to Support YAA’s Regional Teams

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s community fundraising teams are hitting the road in style this summer, thanks to the arrival of five new eco-friendly vehicles supplied by long-standing supporters, D. M. Keith Motor Group.

The new fleet of Cupra Terramar vehicles, wrapped in striking YAA branding, has been supplied on a three-year agreement, which includes full servicing and maintenance. D. M. Keith Motor Group has provided the vehicles at a reduced rate as part of their ongoing commitment to supporting the charity’s vital work.

The new vehicles were handed over to members of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance fundraising team at D. M. Keith Motor Group’s York showroom recently and will be used by YAA’s regional fundraising teams to travel across Yorkshire, attending events, meeting supporters, and raising awareness of the charity’s life-saving service. As hybrid models, they will also help reduce emissions across the many journeys made each year, supporting YAA’s commitment to sustainability.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We’re extremely grateful to the team at D. M. Keith for their continued generosity and longstanding support. These vehicles are a vital part of our day-to-day fundraising operations, enabling our teams to stay connected with the communities and supporters who make our service possible. It’s also very encouraging to know that these vehicles are helping us lower emissions while we continue our work across the region.”

D. M. Keith Motor Group has supported Yorkshire Air Ambulance since 2007, providing vehicles and contributing to various fundraising initiatives over the years.

Angus Keith, Director at D. M. Keith Motor Group, added, “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance and to help power the important work their fundraising teams do across the region. These new hybrid vehicles are not only efficient and reliable, but they reflect our shared commitment to sustainability and community support.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance operates a rotational fleet of three H145 D3 helicopters and two rapid response vehicles, delivering critical care to those most in need. The charity relies on donations and community fundraising to remain operational, and partnerships like this one are key to sustaining its work.

To find out more about how your business can support Yorkshire Air Ambulance, click here.

HELP Appeal charity donates £300,000 towards new helipad at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s future Northern Air Base

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is thrilled to announce a generous donation of £300,000 from the HELP Appeal, the only charity in the country dedicated to funding NHS hospital helipads, to support the development of a new helipad at its forthcoming Northern Air Base in Skipton-on-Swale.

This significant contribution is part of the £415,000 required to construct the helipad, which will ensure YAA’s helicopters can take off and land directly from the new base, enabling the charity’s critical care team to respond swiftly to emergencies across the region.

The HELP Appeal’s donation was formally presented during a visit to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s current base at Nostell Air Support Unit. Robert Bertram FRSA, Chief Executive of the HELP Appeal, and Trustee Arthur Vestey, met with YAA’s Director of Aviation, Steve Waudby, Medical Director, Dr Stuart Reid and Operations Director, Neale Jacobs, to present a cheque for the funds towards the new helipad.

This visit marked a significant moment in the ongoing partnership between YAA and the HELP Appeal, as the team had the opportunity to take an in-depth look at the progress of the new Northern Air Base and gain insight into the crucial role YAA plays in delivering lifesaving care to patients across Yorkshire.

The helipad will form a vital part of YAA’s new Northern Air Base, a purpose-built, fully owned facility located just 3.5 miles from the charity’s current base at RAF Topcliffe. With planning permission now secured, construction of the new base is set to begin soon. Once completed, the facility will provide long-term security and improved infrastructure, including state-of-the-art training environments, dedicated crew accommodation, and enhanced wellbeing facilities. Crucially, the new base will ensure that YAA can continue to reach any part of Yorkshire within 20 minutes, maintaining its ability to deliver lifesaving care across the region.

Robert Bertram, Chief Executive, HELP Appeal, said, “We are proud to donate £300,000 towards the construction of a new helipad at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new base. This funding is a direct investment in the lifesaving work carried out every day by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team. By supporting the construction of this helipad, we’re helping to ensure they can continue responding swiftly and effectively to emergencies across the region. This donation has only been made possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our HELP Appeal supporters, whose commitment to enhancing emergency care makes projects like this possible.”

The HELP Appeal is the country’s only charity dedicated to providing non-repayable grants for the construction and upgrade of NHS hospital helipads. To date, it has funded over 55 helipads across the country, improving emergency response times and saving lives. Of these, 32 were brand new helipads, which have seen over 29,000 landings to date. In Yorkshire alone, the HELP Appeal has supported the installation of lifesaving helipads at hospitals including Sheffield Children’s, Leeds General, Sheffield General, Scarborough General and Hull Royal Infirmary. YAA’s Northern Air Base helipad will be the 13th air ambulance base funded by the charity, continuing its vital role in enhancing emergency healthcare infrastructure.

Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, “We are incredibly grateful to the HELP Appeal for their outstanding generosity. Having a purpose-built helipad at our new base is crucial to the efficiency of our operations. It will enable our crews to mobilise quickly, ensuring that we are always ready to respond to emergencies across Yorkshire. This donation takes us one step closer to achieving our vision for a world-class facility that will serve the region for decades to come.”

With the support of the HELP Appeal, YAA is one step closer to enhancing its operations and ensuring the charity can continue to meet the growing demand for its services across Yorkshire. For further information about the Big Air Base Build and how you can support Yorkshire Air Ambulance, visit www.yaa.org.uk/big-airbase-build. 

Yorkshire Air 999 Returns for a Gripping Second Series Documenting Real-Life Emergencies Across the Region

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is set to return to TV screens this spring as Yorkshire Air 999 launches its much-anticipated second season on Friday 30th May on the Really channel and Discovery+.

Following the success of season one, which aired 10 episodes between November 2024 and March 2025 on Warner Bros. Discovery’s Really channel, the new series continues to follow YAA’s skilled paramedics, doctors, technical crew members and pilots as they respond to life-threatening incidents across the region. The new season will air in two parts, with the first eight episodes running weekly from 30th May at 9PM, and the remaining eight returning later this year.

Filmed over several months by Yorkshire-based production company Air TV, Yorkshire Air 999 gives unprecedented access to one of the UK’s busiest air ambulance charities. Using a combination of body-worn cameras, fixed helicopter minicams, and a multi-camera set-up in YAA’s operations room at their Nostell air support unit in Wakefield, the series captures the pressure, complexity and emotion of each mission, from the moment a 999 call comes in, to patient handover at hospital.

Narrated by acclaimed actor David Morrissey, Season 2 features eight brand new episodes, covering a wide range of emergencies, including the night-time rescue of a teenage motorcyclist who suffers critical injuries in a high-speed collision near Leeming, the dramatic response to a farmer crushed by a half-tonne hay bale in a remote rural area, and the urgent treatment of a horse rider near Wakefield who sustains two broken legs after being thrown from her horse.

Each episode also includes follow-up interviews with the patients, sharing their recovery journeys and the long-lasting impact of YAA’s work.

Matt Richards, Executive Producer and Managing Director at Air TV, said, “We’re really proud to be continuing our long-term relationship with Yorkshire Air Ambulance with this new series of Yorkshire Air 999. The skill and compassion shown by YAA’s crews is always inspiring and it’s great to be able to capture their work and share that with viewers. This new series features a huge range of incidents and real human emotion, all captured amongst the stunning scenery of Yorkshire.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedic, Stewart Ashburner-Mcmanus, added, “Being part of the series is a great opportunity to show the public what goes into each mission. Every call-out is different, and we hope the new season helps people understand just how important this service is to those who need us.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is proudly marking 25 years of saving lives across the region in 2025. Covering 3 million acres and serving a population of around 5 million, the charity provided rapid-response emergency care to over 1,300 patients in 2024 alone – with every mission made possible by public donations.

Gordons Transport Backs Yorkshire Air Ambulance as Charity of the Year for 2025

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Goole-based Gordons Transport Ltd has named Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) as its Charity of the Year for 2025, pledging to raise vital funds and awareness to help keep the Charity’s lifesaving helicopters flying across Yorkshire.

Inspired by a black-tie fundraising event attended by Finance Director, Fiona Atkinson, the team at Gordons Transport were moved to discover that Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies entirely on public donations to continue saving lives.

The partnership marks the company’s first formal charitable commitment in its 40-year history of delivering expert road transport logistics across Yorkshire and beyond. Throughout 2025, Gordons Transport will be raising vital funds and promoting the Charity’s lifesaving work.

Noel Harrison, Operations Manager at Gordons Transport, said, “We are extremely proud to be supporting such a vital local service. The response from our staff, customers, suppliers, and friends has been amazing, and many have volunteered their time to support our fundraising events. We are excited to see how much we can raise to help keep the helicopters flying and saving lives across Yorkshire”.

As part of their support, Gordons Transport has unveiled a specially wrapped fleet vehicle featuring Yorkshire Air Ambulance branding. Designed by WRPD Group Ltd in Leeds and inspired by driver Tony Broad’s passion for the industry, the vehicle will be seen across the UK as part of the company’s daily operations, travelling an estimated 120,000 kilometres in 2025.

The special truck will also be showcased at a series of events, including Lincoln Truck Fest on 4–5 May and Wolsingham Truck Fest on 31 May–1 June, with further appearances planned later in the year.

To launch their partnership, members of the Gordons Transport team brought the specially wrapped vehicle to Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell airbase in Wakefield. There, they met with YAA crew members and gained a behind-the-scenes insight into the Charity’s daily operations, learning more about its lifesaving missions.

Alongside promoting YAA on the road, Gordons Transport is organising a series of internal fundraising activities, including bake sales, a charity football match, a cycling event, a textiles drive, a golf day, and an ongoing office sweet sale. Plans are also underway to produce a limited-edition die-cast model of the YAA-wrapped vehicle, with proceeds supporting the Charity.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for North & East Yorkshire, said, “We are incredibly grateful to the team at Gordons Transport for selecting Yorkshire Air Ambulance as their Business Charity of the Year. As an independent charity, we rely heavily on the generosity of businesses and individuals to help us continue saving lives across Yorkshire. Their support comes at a particularly special time as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, and we are excited to see the impact this partnership will have throughout 2025”.

For more information about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how your business can get involved, please visit: www.yaa.org.uk.

Wetherby Whaler Serves Up £50,000 For Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Family-owned fish and chip chain Wetherby Whaler has raised an incredible £50,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA), supporting the charity’s lifesaving work across the region.

Wetherby Whaler has been a dedicated supporter of the charity for nearly 15 years, beginning with a single collection tin at their Wetherby branch. The partnership has since grown, with collection tins now placed across all five branches in Wetherby, Pudsey, York, Wakefield Calder Island, Wakefield Empire and Guiseley. Thanks to the generosity of customers and the dedication of staff, the business has consistently raised funds to support YAA’s lifesaving service.

To mark the achievement, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s fundraising team visited Wetherby Whaler’s Guiseley branch for a cheque presentation, where the latest donation of £5,500 pushed their total fundraising efforts past the £50,000 mark.

Assistant Manager Tracy and her mother, Joyce, have played a key role in the franchise’s fundraising, helping to organise additional activities and events over the years and raising further funds in-store through the sale of sweets, handmade knitted items, and official YAA merchandise. In recognition of their dedication, the YAA team presented them with flowers during the presentation.

Owner Phillip Murphy, who began the fundraising efforts with his late wife Janine, reflected on the achievement. He said, “We chose to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance because we believed in backing a good local charity. We never set out to raise such a huge amount, but it’s amazing to think that our customers’ small change has made such a big difference. YAA is a service that any one of us, including our staff, might need at any time. We’re incredibly proud to support YAA, and we’ll keep going for as long as we can.”

With around 250 staff across its branches, Wetherby Whaler remains a valued supporter of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Their efforts help ensure the charity’s critical care teams can continue reaching those in urgent need across the region.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed gratitude for the Whaler’s continued support, saying: “We are incredibly grateful to Wetherby Whaler and their customers for raising such a phenomenal amount. It’s this kind of longstanding community support that keeps our helicopters flying. As we celebrate YAA’s 25th anniversary in 2025, it’s amazing to reflect on the impact that businesses like Wetherby Whaler have made. In 2024 alone, our crews treated over 1,300 patients and delivered more than 400 lifesaving interventions—none of which would be possible without donations from the public.”

To learn more about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how you can support their lifesaving work, please click here.

Armadillo Storage Extends Partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is thrilled to announce the extension of its longstanding partnership with Armadillo Storage, which has supported the charity for over 12 years.

Armadillo Storage provides complimentary storage space for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising team at its Sheffield Parkway facility, a partnership now extended through the first quarter of 2025, helping the charity save vital resources.

The conveniently located storage unit serves as a vital hub for YAA’s South Yorkshire fundraising operations, providing easy access to essential materials. It houses everything from event equipment and promotional merchandise to fundraising supplies and volunteer resources, ensuring the team is well-prepared to maximise their impact at events across the region.

As part of its commitment to giving back through its Foundation and community-focused partnerships, Armadillo Storage recognises the critical role Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays in the region. Sarah Clements, Store Manager from Armadillo Storage, said, from “We choose to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance because we recognised the essential work they do in the local area. As a charity that relies entirely on donations, we understand how valuable this storage space is to their operations. By providing it free of charge, we can help ensure their funds go directly towards saving lives every day”.

This year, as Yorkshire Air Ambulance celebrates 25 years of lifesaving service, the demand for their presence at community events continues to grow. In 2024 alone, the charity attended over 289 events across Yorkshire, engaging with thousands of supporters and raising vital funds to keep its helicopters flying.

Helen Berriman, Interim Regional Fundraising Manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her gratitude for the partnership, she said, “The support from Armadillo Storage has been invaluable to us over the years, and their continued partnership makes a real difference to our fundraising efforts. Having a reliable and well-located storage space means our teams can quickly access everything they need for events, ensuring we’re always prepared and ready to engage with the communities we serve. This partnership allows us to direct more of our resources towards our lifesaving missions, ensuring we can reach those in need when they need us most.”

This partnership is a testament to how local businesses can make a meaningful difference in their communities. To learn more about corporate partnerships, click here.