JOIN OUR PEDAL TO THE PAD BIKE RIDE! FIND OUT MORE HERE

STATUS: Checking...

Incident round-up →

Fundraising

Yorkshire Air Ambulance invites cyclists to be among the first to visit new Northern Air Support Unit

by

Cyclists are invited to gather at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit before setting off on Pedal to the Pad, a brand-new fundraising challenge taking place this autumn. The event offers supporters the chance to be among the first to take part in an organised fundraiser from the site ahead of it becoming fully operational.

Taking place on Saturday, 3 October, Pedal to the Pad will see around 50 riders, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew members, cycle between the Charity’s two airbases while raising vital funds to help keep its life-saving service flying.

The ride will begin at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton on Swale, where participants will be among the first members of the public to experience the site before it becomes fully operational. From there, riders will travel across Yorkshire before crossing the finish line at the Charity’s Nostell Air Support Unit near Wakefield, linking its future home with its established base. A shorter 30-mile route will also be available, finishing in Malton.

The new Northern Air Support Unit, which is still under construction, will replace the Charity’s long-standing rented base at RAF Topcliffe, providing Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a permanent home in North Yorkshire and helping secure the future of its life-saving operations for generations to come.

Along the route, participants will ride alongside members of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s medical and aviation teams, giving them a unique opportunity to meet the people behind the Charity’s life-saving service while taking on the challenge together. Riders will receive an exclusive Yorkshire Air Ambulance cycling jersey and water bottle, alongside a fully supported event featuring signed routes, staffed checkpoints, refreshments, mechanical assistance and first aid cover.

Those completing the 102-mile route will also have the opportunity to celebrate at Nostell Air Support Unit and, subject to operational availability, have their photograph taken alongside one of the Charity’s helicopters.

Every rider is asked to raise a minimum of £200, with every pound helping to keep Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopters in the air and its expert crews responding to life-threatening emergencies across the region. As an independent charity receiving no direct government funding, the service relies entirely on the generosity of its supporters to continue delivering life-saving critical care.

Dr Chris Srinivasan, Doctor at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who will be taking part in Pedal to the Pad, said: “Every time we respond to a patient, we’re able to bring advanced hospital-level care directly to the scene because people across Yorkshire choose to support our Charity. Pedal to the Pad is a brilliant way for people to challenge themselves while seeing another side of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Riders won’t just be cycling through the county we serve, they’ll be travelling between the bases that help us deliver critical care every single day. Knowing that people are willing to push themselves physically to help keep us flying means a huge amount to everyone on our crews.”

Kate James, Events Coordinator at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Pedal to the Pad is a fantastic new addition to our events calendar and we’re incredibly excited to welcome riders to the very first event. Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for your next big challenge or someone wanting to take on our shorter route, every mile you ride and every pound you raise will help us continue delivering life-saving critical care to people across Yorkshire.

We hope riders leave with a real sense of achievement, having experienced some of Yorkshire’s beautiful countryside, met the people behind our service and played their part in helping us be there for patients when they need us most.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance hopes around 50 cyclists will take part in the new event, with plans for Pedal to the Pad to become an annual fixture in the region’s cycling calendar. Registration for Pedal to the Pad is now open, with entries closing on Thursday 10 September. Entry costs £65 for the 102-mile route and £30 for the 30-mile route. To find out more or book your place, visit www.yaa.org.uk/pedaltothepad.

I’Anson Bros Ltd renews Yorkshire Air Ambulance Principal Partnership for further three years

by

One of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s longest-standing Principal Partners, I’Anson Bros Ltd, has renewed its commitment to the Charity for a further three years, taking the partnership into its ninth year.

The renewal builds on a relationship that began in 2017, when the independent, fifth-generation family business pledged to donate the savings generated after replacing traditional lighting across its Masham mill with energy-efficient LED technology. Since then, I’Anson Bros Ltd has donated more than £150,000 to help keep Yorkshire Air Ambulance flying and responding to emergencies across the region.

The partnership renewal was marked at I’Anson Bros Ltd’s recent Farmers’ Open Day, held at the company’s new Dalton feed mill near Thirsk. Around 600 farmers, customers and supporters attended the event, taking part in guided tours of the new facility alongside demonstrations, exhibitor stands and refreshments. The new mill represents a significant investment in the future of the business, supporting the company’s continued growth as one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of animal feed, serving farm, equine and lifestyle customers across the UK and exporting to more than 40 countries.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance joined the celebrations with a merchandise stand, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the Charity’s fundraising team and learn more about its lifesaving work. The Charity’s helicopter also made a special appearance during the day before being called away to an emergency, providing a poignant reminder of the vital service supporters help make possible.

The open day showcased I’Anson Bros Ltd’s new state-of-the-art Dalton mill, the first new feed mill of its kind to open in the UK for around 30 years. The significant investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to British agriculture, increasing production capacity while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency and sustainability.

As a Principal Partner of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I’Anson Bros Ltd has helped fund vital equipment, including night vision goggles, enhancing the Charity’s ability to operate safely in low-light conditions. The equipment supports pilots in identifying hazards and assessing suitable landing sites, helping crews continue delivering advanced pre-hospital critical care during the darker hours of the day, particularly throughout the winter months, when daylight hours are at their shortest.

The company has also gone the extra mile, with staff taking on fundraising challenges such as Total Warrior, raising additional funds and awareness for the Charity while championing its work across the agricultural community.

Kate I’Anson Mackay, Financial Controller at I’Anson Bros Ltd, said: “Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been a charity close to our hearts for many years. The rural communitiy is at the centre of everything we do, and we know just how important the Charity’s service is to rural communities across Yorkshire. Renewing our Principal Partnership for another three years was an easy decision. We’re incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved together over the last eight years and look forward to continuing to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance as it delivers lifesaving care across the region.”

Helen Berriman, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:”I’Anson Bros Ltd has been an exceptional supporter of Yorkshire Air Ambulance for almost a decade. Their continued commitment has helped fund vital equipment, strengthen our service and enable us to continue delivering advanced pre-hospital critical care across Yorkshire.

“As a business with deep roots in the rural community, they understand just how important our service is to people living and working in rural areas. We are incredibly grateful that they have chosen to renew their Principal Partnership for a further three years, and we look forward to building on everything we’ve achieved together.”

Partnerships like I’Anson Bros Ltd play a vital role in helping Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue delivering its lifesaving service. As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance receives no day-to-day NHS or government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and communities. Businesses of all sizes interested in supporting the Charity through corporate partnerships, sponsorship or fundraising can find out more at www.yaa.org.uk/corporate-partnerships.

NFU Mutual strengthens support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Big Air Base Build

by

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating the continued support of NFU Mutual after the insurer made a second donation of £7,899 towards the Charity’s Big Air Base Build appeal, becoming a Gold Sponsor of the project.

The latest contribution from NFU Mutual’s Northallerton agency follows an identical donation made in June 2025, shortly after planning permission was approved for Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton on Swale. Together, the two donations total £15,798, helping to fund a purpose-built facility that will support the Charity’s lifesaving operations for decades to come.

The funding has been made possible through NFU Mutual’s Agency Giving Fund, a £2.33 million national initiative that enables local agencies to nominate charities making a significant difference within their communities. After selecting Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2025, the Northallerton agency successfully nominated the Charity once again this year in recognition of its vital work across the region.

The new Northern Air Support Unit will replace Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s current base at RAF Topcliffe, providing a permanent home that mirrors the Charity’s Nostell Air Support Unit. Designed to support both operational crews and charity teams, the new facility will feature a modern hangar, crew accommodation, clinical planning areas, simulation training facilities, wellbeing spaces and a dedicated helipad, strengthening the Charity’s operational resilience and providing the facilities needed to continue delivering rapid critical care across Yorkshire.

Helen Berriman, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “The Big Air Base Build is the largest fundraising appeal in Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s history, and partnerships like this are playing a vital role in helping us bring that vision to life. We’re incredibly grateful to NFU Mutual for choosing to support the appeal for a second year and for becoming one of our Gold Sponsors.

Projects of this scale simply aren’t possible without businesses choosing to invest in our future. We’re incredibly proud to have organisations like NFU Mutual standing alongside us, and we hope their support inspires other businesses to join us in helping build the future of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

As a leading insurer for the farming and rural community, NFU Mutual has longstanding links with Yorkshire’s farming community. While Yorkshire Air Ambulance regularly attends incidents involving farmers and agricultural workers in remote locations, its crews also respond to a wide range of emergencies across the county, including major trauma, medical emergencies, road traffic collisions and cardiac arrests.

To celebrate becoming a Gold Sponsor of the Big Air Base Build, Michael Hilyer, agent at NFU Mutual visited Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Support Unit. He met operational crew, toured the facilities and gained a behind-the-scenes insight into how the Charity delivers specialist critical care across Yorkshire, while learning more about the lasting impact the new Northern Air Support Unit will have on its future operations.

Michael Hilyer said: “Supporting the communities we serve is at the heart of what we do, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays a vital role in protecting those communities every day. We’re delighted to support the Big Air Base Build appeal for a second year and to become a Gold Sponsor, helping to create a permanent Northern Air Support Unit that will strengthen the Charity’s lifesaving service and benefit people across Yorkshire for generations to come.”

The Big Air Base Build appeal is raising funds to help complete Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new Northern Air Support Unit, securing the Charity’s long-term future and providing a purpose-built operational base from which its crews can continue responding to emergencies across Yorkshire.

Donate to The Big Air Base Build here.

St Helen’s Farm celebrates 40 years of farming with new Yorkshire Air Ambulance partnership

by

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is celebrating a new partnership with Yorkshire-based, family-run goat dairy producer St Helen’s Farm, which will see the business support the Charity through a major customer fundraising campaign, alongside Gold Sponsorship of the Big Air Base Build appeal.

As part of the partnership, specially branded cartons of St Helen’s Farm goat’s milk will carry a Yorkshire Air Ambulance QR code on every pack from 12 July as part of a new nationwide fundraising campaign. Available in leading supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado, as well as through the St Helen’s Farm website, shoppers can scan the QR code to make a donation, with every contribution matched by St Helen’s Farm up to £10,000.

Known for its award-winning range of goat’s milk, yoghurt, cheese and butter, St Helen’s Farm has spent 40 years championing the benefits of goat dairy. Naturally rich in protein, calcium and other essential nutrients, its products are enjoyed by households across the UK for their light, mild taste.

The 12-week on-pack campaign will bring Yorkshire Air Ambulance into thousands of homes across the UK, raising awareness of the Charity while generating vital funds to help Yorkshire Air Ambulance continue bringing specialist doctors and paramedics to the scene of the region’s most critically ill and injured patients.

Alongside the customer fundraising campaign, St Helen’s Farm has also pledged £10,000 as a Gold Sponsor of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Big Air Base Build appeal, bringing the partnership’s potential value to £30,000.

Founded in 1986 by Angus and Kathleen Wielkopolski in the small village of Seaton Ross near York, St Helen’s Farm has grown from a family-run goat farm into the UK’s leading producer of goat’s milk products. Still family owned and based in Seaton Ross, the partnership reflects St Helen’s Farm’s long-standing commitment to supporting charities and good causes across Yorkshire.

Ahead of the partnership launch, Angus and Kathleen visited Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Nostell Air Support Unit, where they met members of the crew, toured the operational facilities and gained a behind-the-scenes insight into how the Charity delivers specialist critical care across Yorkshire.

Angus Wielkopolski, said: “Supporting local communities has always been important to us, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity that makes a real difference to people across the county every single day. What makes this partnership particularly special is that it gives our customers the chance to get involved too. By simply scanning the QR code on our milk cartons, they can help support the Charity’s lifesaving work, and we’re proud to match every donation our customers make. Visiting the Nostell Air Support Unit and meeting the crew gave us a real appreciation of the dedication, professionalism and expertise behind every mission. We’re delighted to play a part in supporting the future of this incredible service.”

St Helen’s Farm’s Gold Sponsorship will support Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Big Air Base Build appeal, which is funding the Charity’s purpose-built Northern Air Support Unit near Skipton on Swale. Once complete, the new facility will replace the Charity’s current at RAF Topcliffe and provide a permanent operational home, ensuring Yorkshire Air Ambulance can continue delivering specialist critical care across the region for years to come.

Helen Berriman, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “This partnership is a fantastic example of how a much-loved Yorkshire brand can inspire people to support a cause close to home. By bringing Yorkshire Air Ambulance into thousands of homes through cartons of goat’s milk, St Helen’s Farm is helping introduce our Charity to new audiences while making it incredibly easy for customers to support our work.

Every donation will help us continue bringing specialist doctors and paramedics to people facing life-threatening illness and injury across Yorkshire. We’re incredibly grateful to Angus, Kathleen and everyone at St Helen’s Farm for their generosity, and for creating a partnership that will make a lasting difference to our Charity and the people we serve.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance calls on businesses, schools and communities to turn Yorkshire yellow this July

by

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is inviting businesses, schools, community groups and individuals across the region to turn Yorkshire yellow this July by taking part in its annual Yellow Yorkshire campaign.

Taking place from 6 to 12 July, Yellow Yorkshire encourages people to show their support for the Charity by embracing all things yellow, whether that’s decorating shop windows and offices, hosting workplace dress-down days, organising bake sales or creating eye-catching displays in schools and communities.

The week-long campaign aims to raise awareness of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s lifesaving work while bringing people together to support the independent Charity, which relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters flying and critical care team responding across Yorkshire.

Already, 28 organisations have signed up to take part, with Yorkshire Air Ambulance hoping even more businesses, schools and community groups will join the campaign before the week begins.

Participants are finding creative ways to get involved, with yellow-themed fundraising events, window displays and activities planned across the region. Meadowhall and White Rose shopping centres will be lighting up yellow throughout the week, while pupils at Forest View School in Rawmarsh are planning to decorate lemons as part of their celebrations. In Thirsk, residents at Rowan Court Retirement Housing are preparing for their own Yellow Yorkshire Olympics.

Among those supporting this year’s campaign is Kelly Gorton from Burnley, whose family became connected to Yorkshire Air Ambulance following a serious motorcycle incident involving her partner near Ingleton last year.

After visiting Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Air Support Unit and learning more about the Charity’s work, Kelly and her children were inspired to get involved. Since then, Kelly has encouraged several schools and nurseries in her local area to sign up to Yellow Yorkshire, helping introduce new communities to the Charity and inspiring others to get involved. The family are now preparing for a larger fundraising event in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance later this year.

Kelly Gorton said: “After learning more about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and seeing first-hand the difference the Charity makes to families like ours, we wanted to do something to give back. Yellow Yorkshire is such a simple way for people to get involved, and it’s been amazing to see local schools and nurseries wanting to take part alongside us. My children, Archie and Mia, have loved getting involved and we’re looking forward to seeing as much yellow as possible throughout the week. You never know when you or someone you love might need Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so supporting the Charity in any way you can is incredibly important.”

Kelly’s story is just one example of how Yellow Yorkshire continues to bring communities together in support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. From schools and community groups to local businesses and major organisations, supporters across the region are preparing to show their support throughout the week.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for North and East Yorkshire at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Yellow Yorkshire is all about bringing people together to celebrate and support a service that belongs to everyone across Yorkshire. Whether you’re organising a dress-down day at work, decorating a shop window, hosting a bake sale or encouraging your school to get involved, every activity helps raise awareness of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the lifesaving care our crews provide every day. We’ve already seen some fantastic creativity from our supporters, and we’d love to see even more businesses, schools and communities join us in turning Yorkshire yellow this July.”

To register your involvement in Yellow Yorkshire or find out more click here!

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

by

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!

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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

by

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.

Shop