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Fundraising

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Koris365 marks 20 years of supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yorkshire 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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Honoured at White Rose Community Awards

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Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been honoured at this year’s White Rose Community Awards, which celebrate some of Leeds’ most inspiring individuals and organisations making a real difference in their communities.

The annual awards, hosted by White Rose Shopping Centre, recognise grassroots leaders, dedicated volunteers, and inspirational community organisations who go above and beyond to improve lives across the region, from charity work and accessibility initiatives to environmental projects and support for vulnerable people.

This year’s ceremony celebrated an inspiring group of winners, including Angela Vyas, West Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who was recognised for her outstanding dedication and community spirit.

Angela has led countless fundraising activities, from raffles and tombolas to a table tennis marathon and lively performances by the Wakeylele band at the shopping centre, all helping to fund the vital missions of Yorkshire Air Ambulance across the region. She has also helped to build a strong network of volunteers throughout West Yorkshire, ensuring the charity remains a visible and valued part of the communities it serves.

Angela said, “It’s such an honour to receive this award and to be recognised alongside so many amazing people making a difference. I love coming to White Rose for events and stalls. The team and customers are always so friendly, keen to learn about Yorkshire Air Ambulance, and incredibly generous in their support. The kindness and enthusiasm we see from supporters at White Rose reminds me why I love what I do, and every event and donation helps keep our helicopters flying so we can be there for those who need us most.”

Winners received bespoke trophies crafted by students from a local college, along with jars of White Rose’s own honey, produced by bees on the centre’s rooftop and not available to the public.

Other award winners included community leaders, charity founders, and volunteers such as Sunjeeda Hanif, Founder of Women’s Whispers, who provides a vital lifeline for women in crisis through practical support and safe spaces; Mark Hodgkinson, a long-serving youth mentor and volunteer who has spent over 20 years supporting young people and organising community events across the city; and Tom Riordan CBE, honoured for his outstanding leadership and long-term commitment to Leeds through his years of public service and contribution to major regeneration projects.

Steven Foster, Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said, “South Leeds is home to many inspiring individuals and organisations, and it’s an honour to celebrate their passion, care, and commitment through our Community Awards. Each winner has made an incredible difference to the lives of others, and we’re proud to recognise their impact.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is incredibly proud of Angela’s recognition and grateful to White Rose Shopping Centre for highlighting the work of community champions across the city.

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.

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