General

An 85-year-old rambler from Scarborough, North Yorkshire will be taking on the infamous Yorkshire Three Peaks to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a life-saving rapid response emergency service providing emergency care to five million people across the four million acres of Yorkshire.

Cliff Coultas aims to complete the 24-mile, 1,585m ascent along with his step-daughter Julie Kadis in 12 hours on 29^th September 2022. The Yorkshire three peaks include Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside (Yorkshire’s highest peak) and Ingleborough – Yorkshire’s second highest mountain.

Speaking of why he chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Cliff said: “Put it this way, you’ll never know when you will need them. I didn’t want to do the walk for nothing, they are such a worthy cause, and it is a pleasure to do this walk for them.”

This is not the first time that Cliff and his family have raised funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. In 2020 they walked the 25 miles from Whitby to Scarborough and raised £1200 for the rapid response charity.

Cliff is an avid walker and strongly believes his rambles keep him fit and healthy at the grand age of 85. Cliff’s son, Terry Coultas said: “He loves his walking, more so since he retired even though I tell him to take it easy. I really am so proud of him.”

Rob Scott, East Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Yorkshire Three Peaks is a challenge for anyone of any age, but to do it at the age of 85 is incredible. We would like to wish Cliff and Julie the best of luck for the 29^th and would like to thank them for their support.

As an independent charity, it costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and flying across Yorkshire. The money raised will help greatly towards the vital funding of our service.”

To donate to Cliff and Julie’s fundraiser and keep up to date with their journey, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/alongcamewellington

Sheffield-based B. Braun Medical Ltd has pledged further support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance by sponsoring their fleet of fundraising vans in the South Yorkshire area.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a rapid lifesaving rapid response charity serving five million people across four million acres of Yorkshire. It costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and in the air.

The global medical manufacturer, which has offices worldwide, has been working with the Charity for over 17 years, offering financial and professional support, making them the Charity’s longest-standing corporate supporter. B. Braun has also funded the crew helmets for the life-saving Charity, offer valuable event management skills and advice as well as more recently sponsored one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s new promotional vehicles.

The South Yorkshire fleet of vehicles is imperative to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance fundraising team, enabling them to travel to various locations across the area and carry vital fundraising equipment to events which helps spread the important message about the work the air ambulance does across the county.

Kerry Dwyer, Fundraising Director (West and South) for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “The logistics of covering so many events day in and day out can be pretty complex for our teams, so we rely heavily on our vans to help us transport vital equipment to fundraising events across the region.  They give us the freedom and flexibility to get from event to event easily and help raise the £12,000 a day it costs to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and in the air.

We would like to sincerely thank B. Braun for their continuous support and generosity over the years as one of our principal partners.”

Paul Skelton, Joint MD at B. Braun said: ‘Supporting the YAA is hugely important to us at B. Braun and over the years our employees have established a culture of giving back to help those in need within our communities. Sponsoring the YAA’s community vans is our latest pledge of support in our continued efforts to help the YAA provide crucial services for the people of Yorkshire.”

Following the announcement last year that we will be replacing our current Airbus H145 helicopters with the next generation aircraft by the end of Summer 2023, we are excited to finally announce the distinctive registrations of our new fleet.

We will be welcoming to Yorkshire, G-YAAA and G-YORX, the new 5-bladed versions of the upgraded H145 model we currently operate.

The new registration marks will be unique to the YAA and are a fitting tribute to the Charity and God’s own County in which we operate.  YAAA reflective as an acronym of Yorkshire Air Ambulance (with an extra A!) and YORX to encompass Yorkshire.

G-YAAA will arrive in the UK later this year before beginning its medical fit-out at Airbus HQ in Oxford and will be due in Yorkshire to begin operational service in Spring 2023.   G-YORX will follow into service by early Summer.

Watch this space for further updates!

Stuart Norris from Stamford Bridge near York will be cycling 1,500km from London to Edinburgh and back starting on 7^th August to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is a life-saving rapid response emergency service providing emergency care to 5 million people across 4 million acres of Yorkshire.

Stuart works for the York-based company, Portakabin who have been long-term supporters of the air ambulance charity and has an enthusiastic cycle-to-work culture with more than 50 members participating in their weekly cycling club.

Stuart will be cycling the Audax London to Edinburgh cycle route which is an organised 1,500km route from London to Edinburgh and back again. He signed up for the ballot in January and received his place four weeks later. He has been training over the last six months and will ride on his trusted bike which has clocked over 60,000 miles over the years.

The route will take place over five days and riders have 125 hours to complete the journey to make the list of riders who completed the challenge, which will feature on the Audax website. The ride is held once every four years and is one of Britain’s toughest challenges.

“Cycling isn’t the hard part as it’s what I enjoy doing. It will be the mental aspect that is challenging. This ride isn’t about speed, it’s all about endurance”, said Stuart.

As an avid cyclist, Stuart is no stranger to long-distance cycle rides. He previously cycled Lands’ End to John O’ Groats, the Coast to Coast challenge and the Way of the Roses which was 171 miles in a single day.

Over the years, he has raised nearly £10,000 for YAA and his aim this time is to raise an additional £12,000, the equivalent of a day’s running costs for the Charity by completing this journey.

When asked why he supports Yorkshire Air Ambulance, he said: “I really appreciate what the YAA does for the people of Yorkshire. It is a fantastic service – I can’t believe that they are a charity.

Rob Scott, East Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We cannot thank Stuart enough for his support and generosity over the years and would like to wish him the best of luck completing the Audax 1,500km cycle.

As an independent charity, it costs us £12,000 a day to keep both helicopters maintained and in the air and fundraisers like Stuart’s cycle ride are the life-blood of our service, not only raising vital funds but spreading awareness of the service we provide across Yorkshire and beyond.”

To donate to Stuart’s Yorkshire Air Ambulance fundraiser, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Stuart-Norris10?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=Stuart-Norris10&utm_campaign=pfp-tweet&utm_term=8d393450425b4a1383e4c9741c592a72

A group of junior soldiers from 9 Platoon Cambrai Company have raised an impressive £775 by participating in the Nidderdale Walk at the beginning of May.

The soldiers who belong to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, are the only junior training establishment in the British Army. The college provides basic military training and helps develop leadership skills for those under 19.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a life-saving rapid response emergency charity providing an emergency service to five million people across four million acres of Yorkshire.

The Nidderdale Walk, organised by Harrogate Rotary Club, took place on Sunday 8^th May and began in Pateley Bridge with routes taking walkers into upper Nidderdale. The walk celebrated its 28^th anniversary this year and has raised over £920,000 for local charities since its inception.

Ann Percival, President of Harrogate Rotary Club, said she was delighted AFC Harrogate could join in and support the annual walk which had helped so many local charities over the years.

“It was a pleasure to welcome the junior soldiers to the event and they were an absolute credit. We hope to see them again next year.”

Tessa Klemz, North Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank the 9 Platoon Cambrai Company for taking part in the Nidderdale walk and raising an incredible £775 for the YAA. It costs £12,000 a day to keep both of Yorkshire’s air ambulances maintained and in the air and the money raised will help greatly towards our vital funding.

We would also like to thank Harrogate Rotary Club for organising the event which benefits so many local charities and congratulate them on their 28^th anniversary. We are very grateful for your support.”

A Yorkshire Air Ambulance HEMS Paramedic has been chosen as one of 2,022 people to carry the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton in the relay preceding this year’s Commonwealth Games.

Sammy Wills from Sheffield, a paramedic with Yorkshire Ambulance NHS Trust (YAS), who is seconded full-time to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, was nominated by her brother for her 20 years of service working for the life-saving rapid response emergency charity.

The baton will be travelling through 72 Commonwealth nations before the opening of the Games in Birmingham on the 28th of July. Sammy has been selected to carry the baton in Saltaire on 12^th July  2022.

Speaking of her nomination, Sammy said:” I am very excited to be chosen as one of the Commonwealth Baton bearers in Yorkshire. The 2022 Commonwealth Games mark a fantastic year as it is also 20 years since I started flying as a Paramedic with Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity (YAA), seconded from Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS).

I believe this is the reason my brother and Dad got together and nominated me!   I will smile and think of all the YAS and YAA teams I am representing, as we always aim to Aspire Higher as I proudly hold the Queen’s Baton up high! It’s a huge honour to represent the incredible charity I work for and the county I serve and live in.”

Sammy will officially mark 20 years of service with the YAA in September, and almost 30 years with YAS, this year after starting back as a YAA secondee in 2002.

Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing & Communications at the YAA, said: “We are incredibly proud of Sammy and delighted that she has been chosen to be one of the Commonwealth baton bearers. Sammy has worked at the Charity for nearly 20 years and her enthusiasm and commitment for her role has always been commended, often going above and beyond her duty to educate the people of Yorkshire about the service we provide. We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to Sammy on this fantastic opportunity.”

Bracken Ghyll golf club in Addingham, West Yorkshire have announced Yorkshire Air Ambulance as their charity of the year following a member’s cardiac arrest earlier this year.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a life-saving rapid response emergency service. Last year, they treated 325 patients in West Yorkshire, 13 of which were cardiac arrests.

On the 21^st of April 2022, Nigel Boot was playing golf when he suffered a cardiac arrest at the 18^th tee.  The person he was playing with immediately phoned 999 and a retired nurse who was passing by in a buggy stopped to give CPR.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance dispatched their Critical Care Team and was able to use the defibrillator to start Nigel’s heart. He was taken to Airedale hospital by land ambulance, where he was fitted with an implanted defibrillator (ICD).

“The air ambulance landed on the golf course and to this day, I still can’t believe how they managed to land in the area. Fortunately, they managed to get me going again. I wouldn’t be here without everyone’s help that day”, said Nigel.

To raise funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the Bracken Ghyll Golf Club is hosting a Men’s Captains Day, Ladies’ Captains Day, a 72-hole challenge and a Presidents day across June and July. They also have a community event scheduled for Saturday 20^th August, where families from local communities are invited to visit and support the day and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance promotional vehicle will be in attendance.

Helen Berriman, West Yorkshire Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank Bracken Ghyll golf club for choosing us as their charity of the year. We were glad to be able to help one of their members recently in their time of need and the money raised from future events will help greatly towards keeping our two helicopters flying and saving more lives across the region.”

From bucket collections to event organisation, talks with local businesses and communities to cheque presentations, we have a vital community of over 200 volunteers that are an integral part of the Charity, helping to spread the word far and wide and keeping the Charity in the forefront of their communities’ minds.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is a life-saving rapid response charity serving 5 million people across 4 million acres of Yorkshire and carries out over 1,700 missions every year. We operate two state-of-the-art Airbus H-145 helicopters and need to raise £12,000 every day to keep saving lives.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, from those who are retired and looking to give up their spare time to some of our former patients who would like to give back to the service that helped them when they needed it the most.

In 2020, we launched our ‘What’s your why’ campaign to celebrate our annual Yellow Yorkshire Day, asking former patients, supporters, and staff why they support Yorkshire Air Ambulance. This year, we are turning our focus on our amazing volunteers.

John Mitchell, North Yorkshire Volunteer

John Mitchell is a former patient and volunteers in the North region. In 2014, John from Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire was crushed by a five and a half tonne machine. Our crew were dispatched, and we flew John to Leeds General Infirmary.

Speaking of why he volunteers for the Charity, John said: “I can’t think of words to say to thank YAA for that day they came to help me.  It gives me a great feeling that I am playing a small part for someone else that might need the service in the future.”

Margaret Potter, North Yorkshire Volunteer

“Sadly my husband passed away and I thought I could either sit at home and do nothing or get out there and do something.  I heard fellow volunteer Mike give a talk about YAA, thought that would be interesting to be involved in, and was put in touch with Helen, the then Community Fundraiser for the North region.  We talked about my interests and I agreed I couldn’t bake cakes but would be happy to collect tins.  I now help at events and stalls and have a long list of tin venues.  I always say that YAA saved my life and gave me a life with something to do.  I work hard for YAA and really enjoy what I do”, said Margaret.

Mike and Elaine West Yorkshire Volunteers

Mike and Elaine volunteer in the West region and also provide vital administrative support in our Cayley House office.

“Volunteering for YAA has introduced us to many lovely people and helped a wonderful charity raise vital funds. We contribute our time and our energies, which in turn help to keep the air ambulances flying. The benefits to us as volunteers are great but the rewards for our communities are even greater”, they said.

Helen Murray Sharpe, West Yorkshire Volunteer

“I decided to support the brilliant work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, having seen it on Helicopter Heroes, as it was at the time, on television. So I offered to give my time to do talks to raise awareness of their services and collect funds from groups around West Yorkshire. I’ve met lots of lovely people and visited some fabulous parts of the county to give the talks. I receive great support from the staff of the Charity and so this means it’s a fantastic experience to be a volunteer for YAA. I recommend it”, said Helen.

Scott Remmer, West Yorkshire Volunteer.

In September 2016, Scott was involved in a serious road traffic incident in Huddersfield that left him with a traumatic head injury that had a massive impact on his life

Speaking of the Charity, Scott said: “To Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I love you guys dearly, especially those that encountered me back in 2016. I can now proudly and very gladly say, I now feel indebted to this largely unrecognised, yet vital charity. They are lifesavers.”

He continued: “After discovering during my hospitalisation, that the heroes that saved my life are a charity purely funded through charitable donations and organisations that kindly offered financial support, I was eager to begin doing the same and offering my help and support in any way that I could. Low and behold, YAA is always happy to recruit passionate volunteers, so thankfully I was welcomed aboard the volunteering team with open arms back in around 2017.”

Yellow Yorkshire is a fundraising event held on the first Friday in July, to raise vital funds for the Charity.  Each year thousands of pounds are raised by people dressing in yellow or organising a yellow-themed fundraising event.  This year it will be held on Friday 1st July.

We are also asking supporters to send their own messages of why they support the Charity. This can be done via our social media channels @YorkshireAirAmb on Twitter, Yorkshire Air Ambulance on Facebook, and YorkshireAirAmbulance on Instagram, with the hashtag #whatsyourwhy

Click HERE for more information about Yellow Yorkshire Day 2022.

Click HERE for more YAA news.

Royston Schoolboy, Oliver Hawden has received an achievement award from Barnsley council for his community work raising funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

In the last year (2021) Yorkshire Air Ambulance has responded to 223 incidents across South Yorkshire, 38 of which were in Barnsley. As an independent charity requiring £12,000 a day to keep both of their air ambulances in the skies and saving lives across the region, the support they receive from local communities is the life-blood of the service.

Oliver’s grandad, Stephen Croft, was airlifted by Yorkshire Air Ambulance after suffering a cardiac arrest pitchside at the Barnsley vs Burton Albion game on 22^nd September 2018.  He collapsed in front of a crowd of 11,000 people at the Club’s Oakwell Stadium ground before the YAA landed and took him to Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital for treatment. The incident was very widely publicised at the time due to Stephen’s collapse happening just prior to kick off, in front of a packed crowd at Oakwell.

As well as his grandad Stephen, Oliver’s mum Nichola Hawden has also become a registered volunteer for the YAA. Oliver has also been helping out on Yorkshire Air Ambulance stalls with his family and fundraising at his school and Scout group. He has also talks to his peers about the work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance and is keen to share his knowledge about the charity.

His school, Royston St John Baptist CE Primary School, nominated Oliver for the Royston Alliance award, which champions young people who have put themselves forward to help improve the communities they live in, and he was presented with his award by Councillor Caroline Makinson on 16^th May 2022

Rachel Steele, Deputy Headteacher at Royston St John Baptist CE Primary School said: “We always celebrate our pupils’ achievements in and out of school and Oliver’s charity work for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an achievement to be proud of.  Oliver and his family have helped to raise the profile of the organisation within the school through fundraising opportunities and by promoting the work of the air ambulance with information sessions for pupils. Oliver is proud of his links and speaks about his involvement with teachers and his fellow peers. Oliver’s Achievement Award is a way to celebrate his dedication and passion of such a worthy cause.”

Vickie Bowden, Yorkshire Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager (South & West), said: “It’s great to see people getting involved with fundraising at a young age and Oliver should be proud of his achievements. We cannot thank him enough for his support. Well done on your award, Oliver. ”

Click HERE to find out more about volunteering for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and volunteering opportunities.

Click HERE for more YAA news.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has welcomed seven new helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) Paramedics from across the Yorkshire region to their crew.

The Paramedics are seconded from partner Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust (YAS), on an initial six-month basis.  They form part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Critical Care Team, comprising a team of anesthetic and emergency medicine consultants, and 23 Paramedics who work as crew on the two YAA helicopters delivering the life-saving service 365 days a year to 5 million people across 4 million acres of Yorkshire.

Lindsey Newey (Sheffield)

Lindsey lives in Sheffield and studied to become a Paramedic at Coventry University. Initially working in Bristol for South Western Ambulance Service, Lindsey then moved to Yorkshire Ambulance Service before joining YAA.

“I’m very excited about joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It has been a long-term goal of mine to work in HEMS and I’m excited to get started and stuck in,” said Lindsey.

Becky Knight (Huddersfield)

Becky is from Wakefield and previously worked in a dual role as an ambulance paramedic and lecturer practitioner in human and health sciences at the University of Huddersfield.

Becky said: “I have always been interested in helicopters and critical care. I wanted to become a HEMS paramedic to challenge myself, help others and learn from the team’s experience and expertise.”

Tammy Williams (Pontefract)

Tammy completed a three-year BSC Paramedic Science degree in London and qualified in 2016.  She initially worked out of Deptford and came back up to Yorkshire and was based at Wakefield before joining YAA.

Comparing London to Yorkshire, Tammy said: “Working on the land ambulance you have a lot more trauma such as RTCs and stabbings in London and the trauma is quite invasive. It’s a lot more rural up here. Being exposed to that level of trauma in London made me want to be a HEMS Paramedic and expand my knowledge.”

Fiona Blaylock (Harrogate)

Fiona is from Harrogate and previously worked as a Combat Medical Technician in the army and in a prison healthcare department before becoming a Paramedic in 2013.

“When you’re on the road as a Paramedic with a patient and you see the air ambulance arrive, you know the patient will get extra care and sometimes get to the hospital quicker that could potentially save their life,” said Fiona.

Andy Watson (Leeds)

Andy lives in Leeds and has been a Paramedic for four years, progressing to Team Leader. Prior to working as a Paramedic, Andy was a personal trainer, a bodyguard, and was in the military.

When asked why he wanted to work as a HEMS Paramedic, Andy said: “HEMS is the best job within the ambulance service and it’s a job most paramedics aspire to.”

Sam Berridge (Bridlington)

Sam lives in Bridlington and began his career working in the Coastguard Search and Rescue Team for nine years before joining the ambulance service in 2016. He worked his way up to Team Leader before coming to  YAA.

“I wanted to work for Yorkshire Air Ambulance because it’s the best air ambulance in the country and brings the

very best care to critically ill patients.  Working in the fantastic small Critical Care Team will allow me to be part of this,” said Sam.

Terri-ann (Bridlington)

Terri-ann became a Paramedic in 2017, initially based out of Keighley, then Pateley Bridge, and finally Harrogate. She then completed a secondment at HART, Yorkshire Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team before joining Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

When asked why she wanted to join YAA, Terri-Ann said: “I wanted to work with the most amazing clinicians, Paramedics, and Pilots. The pre-hospital care they give and the speed that they can fly a patient to the hospital is incredible.”

You can meet the other members of the YAA crew over in the Meet our Team section of our website.

Read more YAA news HERE.