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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

Gripple Raises Over £27,500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Lifesaving Work

As a 100% employee-owned business, Gripple’s charitable arm, the Gripple Foundation, is committed to supporting local causes, and YAA was proudly chosen as its Charity of the Year for 2024.

In 2024 alone, Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s critical care team treated 1,297 patients, including 326 cardiac arrest cases, and delivered 417 lifesaving interventions. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity of businesses like Gripple and public donations to continue providing this essential service.

Group of people on stage claiming award

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Unveils Stunning Drone Show in Partnership with SKYMAGIC to Launch its 25th Anniversary Year

The breathtaking show, which premiered on Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s YouTube and social media channels, has already captivated hundreds of viewers.

Adding to the authenticity, the cinematic video, created by Northern Visuals based in Hull, captures the essence of a real-life YAA mission, using the voiced of actual YAA crew members which was recorded during a live incident, creating an immersive and emotional experience that highlights the Charity’s lifesaving work. The show was also generously designed and produced by SKYMAGIC free of charge, making it a truly special gift to mark the beginning of YAA’s milestone year.

SKYMAGIC, renowned for their high-profile drone shows – including performing for His Majesty Kind Charles III at the 2023 coronation concert at Windsor Castle, marketing the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and even landing a 3D A380 plane on the North Runway of the newly renamed Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi – brought their world-class expertise to this unique collaboration.

The drone show is just the beginning of a year-long series of events and initiatives to mark Yorkshire Air Amblance’s milestone 25th anniversary.

Watch the breathtaking drone show and celebrate 25 years of lifesaving missions across Yorkshire by clicking here.

Yorkshire Receives an Early Christmas Gift as YAA Welcomes New Helicopter to its Fleet

This latest addition to the fleet will join YAA’s existing aircrafts, G-YAAA and G-YORX, forming part of a rotational system that will ensure the charity remains operationally resilient. This vital addition will provide a no-notice replacement during scheduled maintenance, unexpected repairs, and mandatory crew training. By eliminating the need for leased aircraft during these periods, G-YAIR will enable YAA to maintain seamless lifesaving coverage across the region, ensuring operational availability remains as close to 100% as possible.

Inside the cabin, the medical crew benefits from a modern wheeled stretcher system, making patient loading and unloading faster and easier. This system reduces the need for manual lifting, improving both efficiency and safety during missions.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Aims to Raise Over £20,000 in a Week to Fund Vital Crew Kit

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is participating in The Big Give for the second consecutive year. In 2023, the charity successfully raised £19,000, covering the charities then daily operational costs. As an independent charity, YAA relies entirely on the generosity and support of people across Yorkshire to fund its vital service, ensuring that the crew can continue to deliver lifesaving care to those in need.

Kerry Dwyer, Director of Public Fundraising at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her sincere thanks to all supporters ahead of the campaign. She said, “The flight suits and helmets we are raising funds for are vital to our crew’s safety and ability to perform lifesaving missions across Yorkshire. Thanks to our generous match funders, every pound donated during The Big Give will be doubled – turning a £10 donation into a £20 contribution, without any extra cost to the donor.

On behalf of everyone at YAA, I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who is able to donate to our Big Give campaign. Whether big or small, every contribution will make a significant impact and without your support, reaching our target would not be possible”.

To learn more about The Big Give or to make a donation, please click here and help YAA reach its goal before midday on Tuesday, 10th December, to help keep the crew ready to save lives in the year ahead.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteer nominated as regional finalist for ITV ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ at Pride of Britain Awards

Woman in front of a helicopter smiling

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is proud to announce that one of its dedicated volunteers, Jan Swallow, has been selected, alongside three others, as a regional finalist for the ITV Calendar North ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards. This recognition comes after Jan’s incredible achievement of raising over £100,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a cause that is profoundly close to her heart.

Jan’s nomination for the ITV ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their charity efforts. The Pride of Britain Awards honours everyday heroes whose actions inspire and uplift. For Jan, this recognition highlights not only her dedication to fundraising but also the lasting impact her efforts have had on Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Jan’s fundraising journey began in 2009 after a tragic accident involving her son, Graham. In May 2007, Graham was involved in a serious motorbike accident on Snake Pass (A57), a road well-known for its sharp bends connecting Sheffield and Manchester. Graham hit a road sign, causing him to fall into a steep ravine, with his motorbike suspended from a tree above.  YAA’s critical care team provided crucial on-scene support, extracting Graham from the ravine in a rescue operation that took nearly an hour. Once freed, Graham was swiftly transported to Sheffield Northern General Hospital, where he sadly passed away.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Jan turned her grief into action, committing herself to raising vital funds for the charity that gave her son the best chance of survival. Since then, Jan has been unwavering in her support, helping Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue its essential service, which relies entirely on donations.

Using her creative talents, Jan and her team of knitter’s craft handmade knitted bears and other unique embroidered items to sell. These quirky and often cheeky designs have earned a loyal following, with 100% of proceeds from their sales going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Earlier this year, at the Ravensknowle Children’s Gala, she reached the significant milestone of £100,069 raised for the charity. Jan is committed to her fundraising efforts and is determined to continue supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance for as long as she can.

Jan expressed her gratitude for the nomination, she said, “I am truly humbled by this recognition. When I first started fundraising, I never imagined it would grow into something so significant. Now, it’s become such a meaningful part of my life. For me, it’s not just about raising money—it’s about giving back to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a charity that has touched my life so deeply and continues to help so many others in their time of need.”

As Yorkshire Air Ambulance approaches its 25th anniversary, Jan’s story stands as a testament to the difference that one individual can make. Her contributions have not only helped keep the charity’s helicopters flying but have also inspired countless others to get involved in supporting this life-saving service.

From Fields to Funds: Knaresborough Tractor Run Raises £113k for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The Knaresborough Tractor Run organisers have celebrated a major donation milestone at a cheque presentation event hosted at the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Nostell Airbase in Wakefield.

What started from humble beginnings has since become a beloved annual tradition within the community, with hundreds of people travelling from far and wide to line the roads and watch the impressive display of over 370 tractors in action.

The North Yorkshire-based event is now considered one of the UK’s largest tractor run, with all proceeds going to the life-saving emergency service, Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Since the first tractor run in 2012, which recorded just eleven tractors taking part, the organisation has donated an impressive £113,341 to the charity.

As a thank you for their longstanding support, the Knaresborough Tractor Run logo now has pride of place on the charity’s newest helicopters.

back of helicopter

Regional Fundraising Manager, Linda Stead, said, “Celebrating the fantastic £113K fundraising milestone donated by the Knaresborough Tractor Run over the years is such an incredible achievement, and we are truly grateful for the support we have received.

 The Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on the generous donations we receive to keep our helicopters maintained and in the air, so events like the Knaresborough Tractor Run are invaluable to us. We want to say a huge thank you to all of the organisers, participants, and supporters of the event for their dedication and generosity over the years in helping us to continue to save lives across Yorkshire.”

The Knaresborough Tractor Run, which was founded by members of Knaresborough Young Farmers, included Mike Spink, who was passionate about supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. However, in 2017, Mike tragically passed away in a road accident in New Zealand, where he had relocated six months prior.

To honour his memory, the organisers of the tractor run decided to expand the run into the large-scale fundraiser known today. What was previously a casual gathering of tractors in Tan Hill and Whitby, became a more significant affair, and a heart-warming way to remember Mike and support a vital cause.

One of the event organisers, James Parker, said, ‘We are thrilled to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance once again. From our very first planning meeting, we knew that YAA was the charity we wanted to support, given their vital role in our rural community. We have seen first-hand the incredible work they do, and we are proud to be raising funds to ensure that they can continue to deliver on their promise of helping to save lives.

 It’s a cause that’s close to our hearts, and we know that many of our participants, as well as their friends and families, have benefited from YAA’s services. We hope that our efforts will make a meaningful difference in helping YAA to continue their life-saving work’.

Click here to read more YAA News.

Cycling Group, including 2 Air Ambulance ex-patients, Tackle 275k ‘Chase the Sun’ biking Challenge

The Bishop Monkton Next Challenge Cycling Club (BMNCCC is gearing up for an extraordinary cycling adventure as they prepare to take on the Chase the Sun Italy 2023 challenge to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The passionate cyclists will embark on a demanding 275-kilometre journey across Italy, starting from the east coast at sunrise and climbing to a 3300-metre elevation at the journeys peak, before reaching the west coast prior to sunset.

The motivation behind this ambitious adventure is deeply personal for the BMNCCC group, as two of their members have experienced first-hand the critical medical assistance provided by Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Ollie Coughlan, aged just 39 at the time, suffered a cardiac arrest in March 2018. He received immediate aid from his friends at the time who were able to use a local defibrillator in an attempt to restart his heart whilst they waited for the emergency services. Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s crew swiftly arrived at the scene in their Rapid Response Vehicle, used during poor flying conditions, and playing a vital role in his successful outcome.

More recently in January 2022, Ben Cairns, who works for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and regularly works with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, was involved in a cycling accident in a remote area of North Yorkshire, resulting in a broken hip, femur and ribs. Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s crew swiftly arrived at his aid, securing his leg, and flying him to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, where he received emergency surgery.

Scene of a bike accident with emergency services
Yorkshire Air Ambulance rushes to the aid of Ben Cairns after a cycling accident, providing critical care and airlifting him to hospital for emergency surgery.

Initially setting a two-thousand-pound fundraising target, the group has exceeded their goal in just two months, with donations from over 65 supporters. With 16 days still to go until the ambitious ride, the group are setting their fundraising goals sky high to make an even more substantial contribution to the emergency services charity.

Reflecting on his life-changing experience and the charity that aided him, Ollie said, “I will be forever grateful for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew’s fast response on the day of my accident. Now, I am determined to give back by actively fundraising for the charity, ensuring they can continue their life-saving work for others in need too’.

Ben adds, “We invite everyone to join us in this incredible journey by donating to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. None of us know when we might need their assistance, so let’s stand together and give back to this truly important charity.”

The cyclists will proudly don specially made orange bike jerseys, sponsored by Albion Cycling, featuring a holographic ‘Proud to be Supporting YAA’ logo, throughout their ride. Additionally, the group will be actively documenting their ride, capturing and sharing real-time pictures and videos and check-ins, for all their supporters to feel a part of their experience.

cycling jersey
The cyclists will proudly don specially made orange bike jerseys, sponsored by Albion Cycling.

Linda Stead, Regional Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the cyclists for their incredible support and dedication. This epic ride is not only a test of their endurance and determination but also a heartfelt initiative. Their fundraising efforts will help us continue flying across Yorkshire and saving lives.”

To contribute to the BMNCCC group’s fundraising efforts, visit their JustGiving page. Every donation will go towards ensuring the continuation of the vital service.

Click here to read more YAA News 

Wakefield Apprentice Makes ‘Bald’ Move for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Jack Dunwell, a 17-year-old maintenance apprentice from Wakefield, has braved the shave to raise an impressive £1000 to support the rapid emergency response charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Working at The Nostell Estate in Wakefield, which is home to one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s operational air bases, Jack was motivated to make a difference within his local community. Although Jack had been growing his curly shoulder-length hair for a while, he made the selfless decision to part ways with his locks for a good cause.

A man with shoulder length curly dark hair standing in front of a stone wall
Prior to shaving his head, Jack’s curly hair reached his shoulders.

In addition to his cash donation for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Jack was also determined to support the work of Little Princess Trust by donating his hair to help make high-quality, human hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.

Speaking about his experience, Jack said, ‘I am thrilled to have raised £1000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and supported the Little Princess Trust with my hair donation. It was an honour to support such worthy causes and make a difference in my community.

I always see the Helicopter flying over the Nostell Estate while I am working and wonder where the team are going and whose life they may be saving. I hope that my efforts can inspire others to contribute and help the charities continue their life-saving work’.

Initially setting a £500 target, Jack was thrilled to have received over £887 through his online Just Giving page. To help increase Jack’s target, his mother, Karen Chatterton, organised a luxury hamper to be raffled on the day for additional funds. The hamper raised £156, giving Jack an overall total of over £1000.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Reginal Fundraiser, Helen Berriman, attended the head shave and presented Jack with an official YAA Beanie to keep his head warm afterwards. She said, ‘We’re absolutely thrilled with Jack’s donation. It’s heart-warming to see such generosity from someone so young, and it’s truly inspiring to see Jack go above and beyond to support both our charity and the Little Princess Trust.

Man wearing a woolly hat and yellow charity T-shirt
Jack Dunwell, kept his head warm with his new YAA beanie hat after his head shave to raise funds for YAA.

We’re also very grateful to Karen for organising the raffle hamper, which helped Jack double his initial fundraising goal. Every penny counts, and with Jack’s £1000 donation, we can continue to provide rapid response, emergency medical care to those in need across Yorkshire’.

Read more Yorkshire Air Ambulance news.

From tragedy to triumph: Yorkshire Air Ambulance patient finds purpose after life-changing accident.

On the 26th of June 2013, Sam Waddington from Bridlington in East Yorkshire was travelling home from work on his Motorbike when a car hit him whilst he was travelling at approximately 37 miles per hour, leaving Sam with life-changing injuries.

Sam, who at the time was employed as a sheet metal worker at a local factory, finished his shift early and hopped on his streetfighter-style Triumph Speed Triple motorbike to head home. Whilst Sam was weaving through bumper-to-bumper traffic, a car pulled out suddenly to access a slip road, ploughing straight into Sam as he passed by.

Sam was thrown from his bike, which was later found in three pieces, and passers-by including an off-duty police officer quickly sprung to action, calling the emergency services. Sam sustained many serious injuries, including a number of fractured vertebrae, broken femur, nose, collarbone, shoulder, and ribs along with many other scrapes and cuts to his skin.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance dispatched one of their helicopters and after an assessment on-scene, Sam was flown to Hull Royal Infirmary where he received lifesaving surgery before being placed into a medically induced coma for a week.

At the age of 24, Sam’s life was forever altered when his leg was amputated below the knee after doctors were unable to preserve it during his two-month hospitalisation.

Sam remembers how consultants originally told his family that his injuries were so severe that at the time of admission, his condition was really touch and go as to whether or not he would survive.

Sam was determined once he was home to commit to his physiotherapy, with his main goal to return to work. Sam recalled ‘When I was in hospital, time felt like a blur, but I knew when I was back home that would be when the real work really had to take place. I was keen to get back to work and have my normal life again’.

Sam reached his goal to return to work after an intensive 18-month recovery. However, as his life gradually regained a sense of normality, he felt his outlook on life had altered forever. Sam said, ‘I had a fresh prospective on life, and I knew there was so much out there to see… I came so close to death that I felt I had a second chance. It was time to make a change, and see the world’.

A man wearing a blue padded coat, grey shorts, brown woolly hat, and walking boots sits on a rock by some water. A small dog wearing a coat stands next to him. There are large hills in the background. The man has a prosthetic leg.

It was during his adventures across the globe, Sam met the love of his life, Amber, and the pair were soon married. The couple spent nearly five years backpacking around Europe, Asia, and America before returning to the UK to settle down. During this time, Sam also gained his personal Helicopter License and now relishes the opportunity to fly, only this time, under much happier circumstances.

Speaking on his travel memories, Sam said, ‘Sure, it would be amazing to have my leg back, but the things I have gone on to do and the people I have met and places I have seen have been incredible, and I wouldn’t have done them if I didn’t have my accident. If I still had my leg, I probably wouldn’t have met my wife, which seems so crazy to me!’.

Today, Sam works for Fletchers Group as Charity and Partnerships Coordinator. A law firm which is dedicated to supporting individuals with life-changing injuries for over 30 years.

When referring to his accident, and the people who helped to save his life, Sam said, ‘Without Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today. The team were instrumental in getting me to hospital as fast as they did. Although I don’t remember much from the day, I cannot thank each and every person for their help, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.

To anybody who may find themselves in a similar situation to myself, and facing life as an amputee, just know – don’t give up on life. Things will get better, and I am living proof that with the right mindset, life can be an incredible thing, even without my leg!’.

A man wearing a blue puffa jacket, blue woolly hat, white or grey shorts, yellow socks and dark trainers is riding a skateboard and has a prosthetic leg.

Follow Sam’s adventures on his everyday_amputee Instagram page.

Read more Yorkshire Air Ambulance news.