Fundraising - Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Paralysed Former Air Ambulance Patient Takes on Ambitious Triathlon Fundraising Challenge

11 November 20242 May 2023 by Angela Brearley

Eight years after his life-changing accident, Martyn Piercy, 47, has his heart set on raising as much money as possible by creating his own triathlon challenge, to support the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) team that helped to save his life.

After an accident at work left Martyn with life-changing spinal injuries, the YAA team were dispatched and after an assessment on-scene, Martyn was immediately flown to Leeds General Infirmary where he was rushed into emergency 9-hour surgery.

Sadly, Martyn’s spinal injuries were too severe, leaving him paralysed from the waist down. However, after spending six months in a spinal rehabilitation unit, his positive ‘can do’ attitude ignited a determination to fight against his diagnosis and regain some movement in his legs, with a long-term aim to walk again.

A former stone worker, Martyn now considers physiotherapy his full-time occupation, seeing each day as a ‘shift’ to reach his mobility goals. Martyn said, ‘The biggest challenge for me is the mental process to keep going, taking the good days with the bad. I devote nearly five hours a day to physiotherapy exercises. I see it as an investment into my quality of life and a way to keep my life as normal as possible whilst living with my injuries’.

Determined to give thanks to the team who saved his life, Martyn has organised his own triathlon challenge around his hometown of Dalton in Thirsk, with the help of his cousin, Stephen Piercy.

The triathlon which takes place on the 7^th of May has been adapted for Martyn, who will be completing a 100-metre walk in callipers, a 15-mile handcycle, and finishing with a 500-metre swim. Stephen will be supporting his cousin by completing a 6-mile run, a 15-mile cycle, and a 750-metre swim.

Stephen is no stranger to taking on athletic fundraising challenges, raising over four-thousand pounds for charity in 2019 whilst completing the Great North Run. Speaking of the decision to support his cousin, Stephen said, ‘I am incredibly proud of Martyn, his ambition and determination to complete this triathlon has been remarkable and I couldn’t be prouder. Thank you to everyone who has already donated, the money is going to an excellent charity, without which, Martyn’s injuries could have been significantly worse!’.

Tracking their training journey on fitness community platform Strava, the pair have shared training videos, training routes and personal best times. As a result, the cousins have received an influx of supportive messages cheering them on ahead of the big day.

Martyn said, ‘Throughout the years, I have always known in my heart when I was physically up to the task, that I was going to do something to give back to the YAA team. It was just a matter of ensuring I was fit enough to handle the challenge. I am forever grateful to the team, they immediately came to my aid and got me to the hospital as quickly as possible. I have no idea what would have happened to me if they weren’t there, the team saved my life that day.

I am so glad to Stephen for joining me on this challenge, he is more than family, he is a great friend, and I am so thrilled he will be there on the day by my side to keep me going’.

Initially setting a two-thousand-pound fundraising goal, in just one month, the duo has exceeded their target hitting £3,874. With a week left before their challenging triathlon, the pair are still working hard to encourage further donations and support.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraiser (North), said, ‘Everyone at Yorkshire Air Ambulance is rooting for Martyn and Stephen. When we first heard of Martyn’s story there was a sense of awe in the room for how inspirational he truly is. We wish them both the best of luck for the big day!’.

If you would like to support Martyn and Stephen, click here to visit their Just Giving page where you can donate.

Over 8,500 people across Yorkshire have received lifesaving care by the quick action of Yorkshire Air Ambulance service over the past 23 years. For further information please visit www.yaa.org.uk or to speak to the friendly team call 01422 237900.

Hold on Tight: Super Soap Box Challenge Brings Fun and Funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

22 May 202426 April 2023 by Angela Brearley

The Bradford Super Soap Box Challenge returns this Sunday, April 30^th, and will be supporting the vital work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with funds raised on the day going towards helping the charity to continue its life-saving missions.

The busy streets of Bradford are set to come alive with the thrilling sound of chants and cheers from the lively crowds who will line the streets to watch over 20 teams compete in their homemade racing carts as they descend down a specially designed 200m course, all in support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Throughout the day, prizes will not only be awarded to the race winners but teams will also be judged on the most innovative cart design, best turned-out Soapbox crew, sponsors choice, and joker of the day.

Set to shift into gear, ‘Team Grimwood’ from Keighley will also be raising their own personal funds to donate to the charity, in addition to the event organisers. The team’s creative soapbox has been modelled on one of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopters, complete with its G-YOAA registration number at the back. The team had initially aimed for a £300 fundraising target via their JustGiving page but have been delighted with the response from their local community, receiving over £1200 plus £250 in gift aid so far.

It currently costs £19,000 per day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and operational in the air. As an independent charity, YAA relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to operate and help save lives across Yorkshire.

The Bradford Super Soap Box Challenge is a free family-friendly event that encourages teams of all ages and backgrounds, promising to be an action-packed day with live music and entertainment. Tasked with organising the event, Andrew Pearson, events marketing director at The Super Soapbox Challenge Company, said, ‘We are delighted to be bringing the Bradford Super Soap Box Challenge back for its second year and to be supporting such a fantastic cause. The event was a huge success last year, and we’re confident that this year will be even better. We’re looking forward to raising as much money as we can for this vital charity’.

West Yorkshire Community Fundraiser at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Clare Deacon, will be in attendance on the day with a team of fundraising volunteers. Clare will be stationed at the event in a high-tech promotional vehicle, which has been specially adapted and designed to allow the YAA fundraising teams to bring a state-of-the-art immersive experience into local communities. Fully equipped with a replica cockpit, which features curved screens showing aerial footage of the ground, guests will experience how it feels to take off and fly through the skies of Yorkshire.

Clare said, ‘We’re thrilled to be selected as Charity of the Year for the Bradford Super Soap Box Challenge. The funds raised from this partnership will help us continue to provide our vital service to the people of Yorkshire.

We have attended the event in previous years and always had a brilliant time, our team is very excited, and we are all looking forward to seeing the teams in action and hope to raise as much as possible’.

For more information about the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how you can support the life-saving work of the Charity, please visit www.yaa.org.uk.

Yorkshire to turn Yellow as Businesses Light Up in Solidarity with Yorkshire Air Ambulance

22 May 202421 April 2023 by Angela Brearley

Well-known landmarks and businesses across the region are set to be illuminated Yellow in solidarity with Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s month-long awareness campaign, Yellow Yorkshire.

On Saturday the 22^nd of April, many well-known locations will shine a beacon of yellow light as a symbol of gratitude and unity with the lifesaving charity. The sites include Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Town Hall, Leeds City Museum, First Direct Arena, Wakefield Town Hall Clock Tower, Meadowhall shopping centre, and Black Sheep Brewery in Masham.

Event organisers at Yorkshire Air Ambulance are still hoping more businesses will follow suit and pledge their support to light up over the weekend. In addition, one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance airbases, situated at Nostell Priory near Wakefield, will also take part in the light-up event, lighting up the outdoor entrance and the inside of the hanger. Local people are also being encouraged to light up windows in their homes or their social media profiles with a yellow light to join in with the campaign.

This April marks the ninth Yellow Yorkshire campaign, which has grown from a one-day event into a month-long fundraising campaign. The campaign has seen the YAA team touring across the region on an educational roadshow to promote the lifesaving work carried out by the dedicated, expert team of pilots, doctors, paramedics, and technical crew members every day.

Event organiser, Vickie Bowden, Regional Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said, ‘We’re thrilled to see so many businesses and landmarks across Yorkshire supporting Yellow Yorkshire this year. This is the first time we’ve asked businesses to light up their buildings, and the fact that so many are keen to be involved is a testament to how highly regarded Yorkshire Air Ambulance truly is.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the businesses that have already pledged to take part in the light-up event, and we encourage more businesses and individuals to join in and show their support. Together, we can help ensure that our lifesaving service can continue to be there for the people of Yorkshire when they need it most’.

To support the life-saving work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and learn more about how to get involved with the Yellow Yorkshire campaign, please visit www.yaa.org.uk.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Roadshow Hits the Street as part of Yellow Yorkshire Campaign

22 May 202412 April 2023 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) fundraising team are on the move and touring across the region as part of their much-loved Yellow Yorkshire campaign, which celebrates the life-saving work carried out by the emergency service.

This April marks the ninth Yellow Yorkshire campaign, with the team setting their sights sky high, as the usual one-day event has developed into a month-long fundraising extravaganza, with multiple events and activities for people of all ages to get involved with.

The roadshow sees two high-tech promotional vehicles, which have been specially adapted and designed to allow the YAA fundraising teams to bring a state-of-the-art supporter experience into local communities throughout Yorkshire.

Inside the vehicles, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the replica cockpit, which features curved screens showing aerial footage of the ground, and experience how it feels to take off and fly through the skies of Yorkshire.

The vehicles also contain interactive iPads for an immersive user experience and a seating area where supporters can chat with YAA staff and volunteers. Large screens and plush sofa areas provide an ideal spot for immersive presentations which will be hosted by the fundraising team.

Throughout the day, the screens will play interviews with the life-saving crew, answering frequently asked questions and revealing interesting facts about their roles and their experiences on duty.

The roadshow, which is free to attend, will see the team visit Junction 32 shopping outlet in Castleford, Morrisons in Ripon, Broadway shopping centre in Bradford, Market Square in Northallerton, Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield, Sewell on the Go Chanterlands in Hull, Lakeside shopping centre in Doncaster, Pinderfields Hospital and lastly the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield.

Regional Fundraising Manager, Vickie Bowden, said, ‘We are incredibly excited to be hitting the streets of Yorkshire as part of our annual Yellow Yorkshire campaign. The fundraising team are revved up and ready to go. We cannot wait to meet everyone and share our passion for the life-saving work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We are so grateful for the ongoing support of our local communities, and we look forward to making a real difference in the lives of those who rely on our services’.

Firefighter fundraiser for air ambulance after bike accident rescue

11 November 202415 March 2023 by Angela Brearley

A leading member of North Yorkshire’s emergency services who has spent more than 25 years attending incidents, was himself airlifted to hospital after a serious cycling accident.

And Ben Cairns is so grateful to Yorkshire Air Ambulance that he is getting back on his bike this summer to take on an epic Italian cycling challenge to raise funds for the rapid response emergency charity.

Ben was on a normal Sunday morning bike ride with his village cycling group near Masham, North Yorkshire, when the bike’s wheels suddenly went from under him. The 44-year-old hit the road hard and knew straight away he had suffered a serious injury.

“I think I hit some diesel and landed really hard on my left side before sliding down the road,” said Ben, Group Manager Transformation at North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue. “My chest was really sore but I couldn’t move and really thought I’d broken my pelvis.”

In a stroke of good luck, Ben had come off his bike outside the house of an accident and emergency consultant who came out to help before the air ambulance arrived.

The father-of-two from Bishop Monkton was airlifted to the nearest major trauma centre at James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough – a journey that would have taken nearly an hour by road.

Surgeons pinned and plated a complex hip fracture. Ben was in hospital for a week and unable to weight bear for two months before starting his rehabilitation.

In June he, and five other members of the Bishop Monkton cycling club, will attempt to ride across Italy in a day – starting at sunset on the Adriatic coast with the challenge of completing more than 275km and 3,300m of ascent to reach Tirrenia, near Pisa, before sunset.

“I’ve done a couple of these Chase The Sun challenges before but, as two out of the six of us in the group have needed Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we really want to raise as much as possible to say thank you.

“I have worked with YAA for many years in my career at all kinds of incidents and it’s so very reassuring to know that when you are in that hour of need the air ambulance is there to help.”

To sponsor Ben go to http://bit.ly/3Jb3gEc. His dramatic accident also features in this week’s episode of Helicopter ER, the reality TV series which follows the life-saving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Serving a population of approximately five million people across Yorkshire’s three million acres, the charity operates two air ambulances from airbases at The Nostell Priory Estate near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk plus two Rapid Response Vehicles.

North Yorkshire cyclist lucky to be alive after suffering heart attack on ride

11 November 20248 March 2023 by Angela Brearley

North Yorkshire cyclist lucky to be alive after suffering heart attack on ride

A cyclist who suffered a major heart attack on a Sunday afternoon ride owes his life to the quick response of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Stephen Curran began feeling unwell on his usual 25-mile bike ride from his home in Hillam, North Yorkshire. A dull ache in his shoulder became a crippling chest pain as the 62-year-old psychiatrist realised his life was at risk.

“Up to this point I’d had no heart problems and was very active so I didn’t initially have any suspicion that this was a heart attack,” said Stephen.

“But then the tightness in my chest became a crushing pain and I started to feel short of breath and a bit confused so I rang 999. As I was lying on the ground I remember thinking there was a really good chance that I might die.”

Luckily for Stephen a rapid response vehicle was nearby and Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched and at the scene in minutes. The main artery to his heart was completely blocked and medics realised he needed time-critical surgery.

The father-of-four was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where just 45 minutes after calling 999 he was having a life-saving stent fitted.

His dramatic story features in this week’s episode of Helicopter ER, the reality TV series which follows the work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Stephen added: “Getting to hospital so quickly literally saved my life. My cardiologist said if I had made the journey by road I probably would not have made it.

“The paramedics were so open, honest and reassuring and I’ve had such amazing care by everyone involved. I can’t thank them enough.”

After the surgery and spending three days in hospital last May, Stephen has made a good recovery and is back at work and enjoying an active lifestyle, walking and on his exercise bike each day.

Friday’s episode of Helicopter ER, made by Air TV for Warner Brothers Discovery, airs on Quest at 9 pm. It also features a man who sliced through his ankle with a chainsaw in a DIY accident and a woman who was kicked in the face and head after being thrown from her horse.

The rapid response air emergency service relies totally on public donations and fundraising to keep saving lives.

Doncaster cyclist lucky to be alive after rush hour accident

11 November 20243 March 2023 by Angela Brearley

A cyclist crossing a busy rush hour road in Doncaster suffered life-threatening head injuries after being hit by a car.

Andrew Stewart had to be placed in a medically induced coma on the roadside by a critical care Consultant doctor flying with Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The dramatic efforts to save his life feature in this week’s episode of Helicopter ER, the reality TV series which follows the work of the rapid response emergency service.

Andrew was cycling home from his job as a petrol station manager when the accident happened in November 2021. He was crossing Bawtry Road, a two-direction dual carriageway, when he was struck by a car.

“I was told I’d crossed the first side and was just setting off across the second two lanes when I was hit but I don’t remember the accident at all or really anything of the month leading up to it,” said 31-year-old Andrew from Doncaster.

In 2021, 111 cyclists were killed in Great Britain and a further 4,353 were seriously injured. Andrew suffered a fractured skull and a serious bleed on the brain, as well as a badly broken leg.

Bleeding from a very deep head injury and dangerously unresponsive when Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedics landed at the scene, Andrew was anaesthetised and put into a coma at the roadside before being taken to the major trauma centre at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.

He was in a coma for three weeks and spent a further two weeks in hospital before continuing his slow recovery at home. Although back at work, Andrew’s leg injury means he has had to give up running and he is suffering ongoing effects from the head injury.

“I used to love fitness, especially running, but that’s not something I can do anymore as I have pins and a metal plate in my leg,” said Andrew. “Since the head injury, I do have more mood swings and get annoyed more easily, which is something my family and partner have definitely noticed.

“But we are all so grateful to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and all the doctors, paramedics, and nurses. Without them, I would not be here today.”

Andrew’s dramatic story features in Friday’s episode of Helicopter ER, made by Air TV for Warner Brothers Discovery.

The programme, which airs on Quest at 9 pm, also features a young motocross rider who suffered serious injuries after being flung against a tree on a woodland trail and a nurse who needed Yorkshire Air Ambulance herself after being thrown from a horse.

Serving a population of approximately five million people across Yorkshire’s four million acres, the Charity operates two air ambulances from airbases at The Nostell Priory Estate near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk plus two Rapid Response Vehicles.

The rapid response air emergency service relies totally on public donations and fundraising to keep saving lives. To find out more go to www.yorkshireairambulance.org.uk

Photo caption: Andrew Stewart being treated at the scene of his accident and recovering at his Doncaster home.

Longstanding YAA supporters, I’Anson Brothers Ltd, donate £700 to continue funding lifesaving work

22 May 20241 March 2023 by Angela Brearley

Masham-based business, I’Anson Brothers have donated £700 to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance following an environmentally friendly tyre recycling programme.

I’Anson Brothers Ltd is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of animal feed based in Masham, North Yorkshire. They are a family-run business, and have been serving farmers nationwide since 1900.

I’Ansons are established corporate sponsors of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, who have donated over £100,000 to the charity since the start of their partnership in 2016.

The donation follows an environmentally friendly scheme, in which I’Anson Brothers sell their fleet’s tyres to local farmers when they are reaching the end of their roadworthiness. The tyres then go on to be repurposed and fitted to low-mileage farming equipment, keeping the tyres out of landfills.

North Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser, Tessa Klemz, who collected the donation said, ‘The support we receive from local businesses is the essence of our charity and we would like to take this opportunity to thank I’Ansons for their continuous support and continued generosity’.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Attains Volunteering Quality Mark for Second Time

22 May 202416 February 2023 by Angela Brearley

The rapid response emergency service charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, has been awarded the ‘People Can’ Volunteering Quality Standard award for its excellent volunteer management.

The award, which lasts three years, was first presented to the charity in 2019 and has been awarded again in 2023, showcasing best practice and recognising the ‘high quality, positive volunteering experience’ received by Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s team of volunteers.

As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on volunteers and their fundraising efforts to continue its lifesaving work. It currently costs £19,000 per day to maintain and operate the YAA’s two Airbus H145 Helicopters, based at Nostell Priory in Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk.

Regional Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Vickie Bowden, said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to have received the ‘People Can’ quality mark. Our volunteers do such a brilliant job for us and go above and beyond in their roles to promote the charity, raising both money and awareness for our cause. Therefore, it is crucial to us that in return our volunteers feel supported and recognised for their work’.

Chris Bulmer, Volunteering Development Officer at Community Action Bradford, said, ‘Yorkshire Air Ambulance has demonstrated an excellent range of resources supporting their recruitment and management of volunteers, who are so vital to what they do’.

‘Their recruitment process is welcoming and supportive to prospective volunteers including multi-format application processes, online, on paper and in person, followed by a well-structured induction and training plan for all new volunteers.

The evidence gathered exceeded our assessment criteria, which is a credit to the way the organisation values and manages its volunteers. There is a clear recognition of the value of volunteers within the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity and their importance in day-to-day operations’.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is now appealing for more volunteers to help support the charity and raise awareness about its life-saving work out in local communities. The charity is looking for individuals, couples or small groups of friends to join their friendly team of volunteers across Yorkshire.

To find out more about volunteering for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, visit our Volunteering page.

Berwins Solicitors Announce Yorkshire Air Ambulance as Latest Charity Partnership

22 May 202415 February 2023 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire-based Law firm, Berwins Solicitors, with offices based in Harrogate, Leeds, York, and Sheffield has pledged to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance throughout 2023 with a series of fundraising challenges.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a lifesaving rapid response charity, serving over five and a half million adults and children and spanning over three million acres of Yorkshire.

It currently costs £19,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and operational in the air. As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on the generosity of individuals and organisations to operate and help save lives across Yorkshire.

Commenting on the announcement, chair of Berwins Solicitors CSR committee, Martin Whincup said, ‘We’re excited to announce the start of a new relationship with a truly inspirational charity partner.’

‘Berwins has a long and proud tradition of supporting both our local community and good causes and I’m proud to see that continuing into 2023. Teams and individuals are already gearing up for a range of fundraising challenges and events which will all benefit Yorkshire Air Ambulance in its vital work.’

Regional Fundraising Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Lin Stead, said, ‘We’re excited to be working with Berwins in 2023 and, having heard about some of their ambitious fundraising plans, are looking forward to seeing them come to fruition.’

Yorkshire Building Society donation helps air ambulance to continue carrying blood

22 May 202414 February 2023 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Building Society has continued its longstanding support of the region’s air ambulance service with a donation to support the carrying of inflight blood supplies.

The YBS Charitable Foundation has donated £2,000 towards the cost of three specially designed, thermostatically controlled boxes for the safe transport and storage of the blood on board Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s two helicopters.

The life-saving emergency service has been carrying blood since 2017 allowing the specially trained, YAA medical teams to start the transfusion process at the scene of an incident instead of waiting until the patient gets to hospital.

The Credo Cube cool storage boxes are specially insulated to maintain the blood within a narrow temperature range of 2- 60C for up to 72 hours to prevent damage or spoilage.

Eighteen storage boxes are constantly in circulation across both Yorkshire Air Ambulance airbases, and the YBS grant has enabled the charity to buy three replacement boxes to ensure efficient turn-around and continuity of services.

Marianne Haworth, Grants and Trusts Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation for their very generous grant of £2,000 towards our blood transportation boxes which ensure blood is immediately ready for critically ill patients in situations where every minute counts.”

Serving a population of approximately five million people across Yorkshire’s four million acres, YAA operates two air ambulances from airbases at The Nostell Priory Estate near Wakefield and RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk, plus two Rapid Response Vehicles.

The service needs to raise £19,000 every day to keep its two helicopters flying.

YBS is a longstanding supporter of Yorkshire Air Ambulance having donated more than £2 million to the life-saving charity since 2008.

The latest donation from the Society’s Charitable Foundation was made after a nomination from Compliance Associate Kath Crank, who said: “We are so proud to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a donation from Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation. The work they do, providing rapid response emergency services, delivers an essential service to the region.”

Photo: Representatives from Yorkshire Building Society’s Charitable Foundation present a cheque to YAA Grants Manager, Marianne Howarth, and YAA Community Fundraiser Angela Vyas.

Cyclist avoids losing his foot thanks to swift arrival of Yorkshire Air Ambulance

22 May 20241 February 2023 by Angela Brearley

The story of a relaxing bike ride gone wrong will be featured in the next episode of Helicopter ER – the reality TV series featuring the life-saving work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Cameron Durdy, 24, was cycling home from his busy job as a chef when he hit a cattle grid, catapulting him 15 feet over the side of a bridge and leading him to break both bones in his leg after landing on a rocky stream bed.

The injury was serious, with bones piercing his skin and the possibility of losing his foot if medics didn’t act quickly.

With no service on his phone and landing in a remote location in Swaledale, Cameron was forced to shout at the top of his lungs for almost half an hour before passers-by heard him and called an ambulance.

Cameron said: “The feeling of the fall was very strange – It was almost like suddenly waking up. I wasn’t aware of how much pain I was in at that exact moment, or how serious my injury was, but I knew that something enormous had happened to me. It was the biggest impact I had ever experienced, and I knew I needed to get help as quickly as possible.”

He was tended to by the local mountain rescue team until medics from Yorkshire Air Ambulance arrived on the scene, where his leg was straightened and put back into alignment.

He was then airlifted 34 miles to the Major Trauma Centre at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough – a journey that would have taken over an hour by road but took just 20 minutes by air.

During the helicopter flight, the painkillers kicked in and the medics were serenaded by Cameron throughout the journey.

He is now back on his feet after undergoing gruelling surgery and a long recovery period, which he spent focusing on his music – particularly playing the bassoon and the bass.

Incredibly grateful for the help he received from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, Cameron said:

“They were amazing and without them, I’m not even sure I’d be able to walk now – I’m so grateful. They really looked after me and made me feel so safe. They explained everything very thoroughly and I knew even if it was uncomfortable, it would be alright. And they put up with my singing in the helicopter for 20 minutes, which is very commendable!

“They did a spectacular job, and it shows how important it is to keep supporting and donating to Yorkshire Air Ambulance to keep it running and helping people like me, who wouldn’t be where they are without this life-saving service. There isn’t a way to describe how lucky I feel and how thankful I am.”

His story features in Friday’s Helicopter ER – the first episode in the ninth series of the award-winning programme which is made by Air TV for Warner Brothers Discovery.

The episode, which airs on Friday 3rd February 2023 at 9 pm on Quest, also features a couple whose car rolled eight times after being involved in a crash on a busy motorway, and a woman who suffered an ankle fracture after a dog walking misadventure.

Quest is available on Freeview 12, Sky 144, Virgin 169, and Freesat 172.

Read more news from Yorkshire Air Ambulance HERE.