General

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is excited to announce the launch of its annual Hike4Helis campaign, a thrilling active challenge that calls upon their supporters to embark on a journey spanning the distance between their two air bases – a total of 33 miles – or the round trip of 66 miles.

Now in its 3rd year, Hike4Helis aims to raise vital funds for the life-saving charity, ensuring the helicopters can continue their missions across Yorkshire.

Throughout the entire month of September, the YAA Crew challenges individuals, groups, and communities across Yorkshire to participate in the sponsored challenge. The distance of 33 miles between the Nostell and Topcliffe airbases can be completed at an average pace of 1.1 miles each day. For those seeking an additional challenge, the round trip of 66 miles can be accomplished at an average pace of 2.2 miles each day.

Participants are not only encouraged to accumulate their miles through traditional hiking, walking, and running, but also to embrace their creativity and choose from a variety of activities. Whether it’s cycling through scenic Yorkshire routes, swimming laps in a pool, or even engaging in adventurous pursuits such as paddleboarding or canoeing, participants have the freedom to select the mode that most resonates with them and to be inclusive to all.

Additionally, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team will be eagerly watching out for participants with the most unique costumes throughout the month, adding an element of fun and excitement to the challenge.

Upon completing the challenge, participants will receive an official YAA Hike4Helis certificate, recognising their achievement. The YAA encourages participants to share their progress and updates on social media platforms, using the hashtag #Hike4Helis, to inspire others and showcase the collective determination and commitment to the cause.

In addition to inviting supporters and communities to join the Hike4Helis challenge, the dedicated YAA Crew will lead by example, actively participating in the challenge by walking and running around the perimeters of the two YAA air bases. Furthermore, the enthusiasm has spread across various teams within the charity, as the head office and fundraising teams will be showcasing a unified commitment to the reaching their target miles and further amplifying the impact of Hike4Helis.

Sam Berridge, HEMS Paramedic said, “Being a part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team has shown me firsthand the incredible impact our helicopters have on saving lives across the region. Hike4Helis is not only an exciting challenge but also a fantastic opportunity for our supporters of all abilities to come together and make a difference. Every challenge undertaken and every mile covered brings us closer to ensuring our vital service continues. I encourage everyone to join us on this incredible journey and help us raise crucial funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

For more information about how you can get involved with Hike4Helis, or to download our Hike4helis guide, please visit click here.

Former Mayor of Harrogate, Victoria Oldham, supported by community fundraisers at Yorkshire Air Ambulance have successfully raised an outstanding £5287.46 through her dedicated efforts in organising bucket collections for the emergency response charity.

The collections took place at the prestigious Royal Hall and Convention Centre in Harrogate during busy show nights and large-scale events. The funds raised will provide vital support to the life-saving services offered by Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Victoria, who recently retired following the reorganisation of local government resulting in the transfer of power to the new, larger North Yorkshire Council, demonstrated immense commitment and community spirit during her time in office.

Recognising the importance of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s work, she harnessed the generosity of Harrogate residents and visitors alike, making a significant impact on the charity’s fundraising efforts.

Reflecting on the success of the bucket collections, the former Mayor expressed her gratitude to the people of Harrogate, saying, “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. The response from our community has been truly inspiring, and it is heart warming to witness such generosity towards Yorkshire Air Ambulance. I firmly believe in supporting charitable causes, and the incredible work the crew and fundraisers undertake is truly inspiring, they deserve all the credit they get! It has been an honour to support their work.”

Paula Lorimer, Harrogate Convention Centre Director, who helped arrange the bucket collections at 21 events over four months, said “It has been our pleasure to help organise the bucket collections at our Convention Centre, knowing how much good the money will do makes it all the more worthwhile. We’re thankful to former Mayor Victoria Oldham for leading this initiative and to the attendees of our events at the Royal Hall and Exhibition Centre for their remarkable generosity. Harrogate’s community spirit shines through in the success of these collections, making a positive impact on the lives of others.”

It currently costs £19,000 a day to keep 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.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Regional Fundraiser, Tessa Klemz, expressed her sincerest appreciation for the remarkable amount raised. She said, “We are immensely grateful to Victoria Oldham, the venue organisers and of course the people of Harrogate for their incredible support. The money raised through the bucket collections will make a real difference in helping us continue to provide vital, life-saving services to those in need across Yorkshire. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Victoria for her outstanding efforts.”

Samantha Harrison, an intrepid adventurer and dedicated Director and Care Home Manager for Continued Care in Harrogate, has successfully completed an awe-inspiring climb of Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, to raise vital funds for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Samantha’s remarkable journey represents not only a hugely personal triumph, but the climb also serves as a testament to the unwavering support of her family, who joined her on the ambitious hike and helped raise over £2,320 to support this crucial charity.

The Kilimanjaro expedition was part of Continued Care’s charity of the year fundraising activities. Continued Care, a leading provider of care services in Harrogate, has forged a meaningful partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, aiming to contribute to the ongoing efforts of the emergency response charity in providing vital emergency medical services to the local community.

Months of rigorous training and preparation were required for Samantha and her family to tackle the challenging expedition and reach the summit. Reflecting on her achievement, Samantha expressed, “Succeeding in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro and raising £2,320 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been an incredible accomplishment and a once-in-a-lifetime ambition of mine. Throughout this journey, I have been inspired by the unwavering support of my family, friends, and colleagues at Continued Care. Together, we have made a positive impact on our community by contributing to the life-saving efforts of Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It is an honour to have been part of this incredible trip, and I hope that our efforts inspire others to pursue their dreams while supporting meaningful causes.“

Tessa Klemz, North Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her gratitude, saying, “On behalf of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Samantha for her tremendous efforts in conquering Kilimanjaro in support of our charity. The funds she has raised, alongside that of her coworkers at Continued Care, will make a significant difference in our ability to provide life-saving medical services to those in need across Yorkshire. We are incredibly grateful for Samantha’s passion and determination to make a positive impact on our community.”

To read more YAA News, click here.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance, the renowned emergency response charity, made waves on social media this week with a remarkable sight in the skies above Wakefield and York.

Traditionally operating two helicopters, Yorkshire Air Ambulance recently took delivery of their two new state-of-the-art H145 D3 helicopters G-YORX and G-YAAA.  They will replace current models G-YOAA and G-YAAC, which are currently in the process of being sold to an undisclosed buyer.  During a fleeting cross over period of the arrival of the new helicopters and departure of G-YOAA, which leaves Yorkshire first, a unique, but brief opportunity presented for the team of pilots to capture the rare occasion where all four were in Yorkshire.

Seizing the opportunity, the crew took the four helicopters on a brief flight, incorporating some training & familiarisation for the Pilots & Technical Crew Members (TCM’s), treating onlookers to a unique and rare display.

Chief Pilot Owen McTeggart, who was part of the formation, expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “We have eagerly awaited the arrival of G-YORX, our second D3 helicopter, which will further improve our service in saving lives across Yorkshire.  We needed to take the new helicopters out for some brief training and familiarisation so we took the opportunity to capture what may be a one-time occurrence of having a cross-over of four YAA helicopters, before G-YOAA and G-YAAC leave for their new home. Witnessing the community’s overwhelming response and support, and the countless photos shared fills our team with pride and gratitude. We are truly humbled by the generosity and dedication shown by the people we serve.“

The new D3 helicopters boast a whole host of technologically advanced features, most noticeably, a five-bladed ridged main rotor, making the system simpler, lighter, and easier to maintain than the previous rotor. The five-bladed rotor system also significantly reduces felt vibrations, improving ride quality for both patients and the crew.

The flight drew widespread attention from residents in Wakefield, Pontefract, York, and surrounding areas, who spotted the four helicopters flying in formation across, what were picture-perfect clear blue skies. Captivated by this awe-inspiring display, members of the community captured the moment and flooded Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Facebook post about the flight with over 3,000 likes, 400 comments, and 500 shares, emphasising the profound impact this had on those fortunate enough to witness it.

The overwhelming response serves as a testament to the deep-rooted appreciation for the life-saving services provided by the charity. One person commented ‘Awesome sight to see. I heard them before I saw them. Keep up the great work, Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We’d be lost without you guys’ whilst another remarked, ‘I saw them fly right over my house, it was quite a sight to behold. What a job these guys do…I for one cannot thank the team enough!’.

To read more YAA News click here. 

Harrogate-based family fashion brand, Luce & Bear, has proudly launched their first charity collaboration in partnership with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, with 100% of the profits going towards funding future lifesaving missions across the region.

The unisex navy hoodie created by the talented sisters Lucy and Clare Bulmer, showcases an intricately crafted, hand-drawn design, based on the essence of the YAA’s lifesaving missions and the beauty of Yorkshire.

Within the design, a multitude of symbolic illustrations, each holding significant importance to the emergency response charity. From representations of the region’s four major trauma units to common accidents the air ambulance frequently attends, such as motorbike, bicycle, and horse incidents, the design also pays homage to the male and female crew who selflessly serve the community. All elements are brought together by a central helipad illustration, symbolising the crucial role Yorkshire Air Ambulance plays in saving lives from the sky.

The hoodie is available in sizes ranging from XS to 3XL and is designed to provide a true-to-size, comfortable, and flattering fit for all. Luce and Bear are dedicated to producing products responsibly and are committed to environmental, ethical, and equality practices. Each hoodie is PETA-approved vegan and manufactured in a WRAP-certified factory.

The collaboration between Luce and Bear and Yorkshire Air Ambulance began at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s first Christmas lunch event in 2022. The sisters hosted a stall on the day, forming an instant connection with the YAA team through their shared dedication to charitable causes.

Bringing a unique prospective to the partnership, during the early stages of the collaboration, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew attended an incident concerning one of the staff members at Hebden Wood Equestrian Centre, where Lucy keeps and trains her Dressage horse. This personal encounter, so close to home, further emphasises Lucy’s connection to the charity and highlighted the importance of the YAA’s lifesaving work which influenced the final design.

The hoodie design inspiration was taken from Luce and Bears bestselling ‘healing hoodie’ which is an ode to Lucy’s ongoing battle with chronic Lyme Disease, aiming to offer strength, power, love, and luck to those facing their own personal battles.

Leanne Seward, Marketing and Brand Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed her delight with the collaboration, saying, “Working with Luce and Bear on this charity collaboration has been an absolute pleasure. Their dedication to creating meaningful designs that resonate with our mission is truly commendable. We are grateful for their support and the opportunity to partner with such a passionate and talented brand. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those we serve“.

Following the creation of the hoodie, the sisters were thrilled to have the opportunity to present their design to the lifesaving crew during a visit to the air base. Their enthusiasm for the collaboration and the meaningful symbols incorporated in the design further fuelled the sisters’ passion for supporting the charity.

Lucy and Clare, who have over 20 years of shared retail experience said, “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Yorkshire Air Ambulance on this meaningful project. As sisters and passionate designers, it has been a truly fulfilling experience to create a hoodie collection that not only showcases our love for Yorkshire but also supports such an essential lifesaving charity.

This collaboration is just the beginning for us, and we have big dreams to expand our range in the future. We can’t wait to see how people respond to our designs and join us in making a difference“.

Priced at £45 including delivery, each hoodie purchased directly via the Yorkshire Air Ambulance website contributes to supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s crucial missions. Order your Yorkshire Air Ambulance + Luce & Bear hoodie now.

To read more Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s flagship high-street pop-up shop located in St Johns Shopping Centre, Leeds, has hit an impressive £50,000 in sales since opening its doors in January 2020. This impressive milestone is a testament to the generosity and support of the local community, whose donations and purchases help fund the charity’s life-saving missions.

In 2022, the shop raised an impressive £25,000 and has continued to make a significant contribution to the charity in 2023. Within the first three months of this year alone, the shop has raised a fantastic £11,500, with shoppers showing no signs of slowing down.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance pop-up shop has managed to attract regular supporters, demonstrating the community’s unwavering commitment to supporting this worthy cause.

Located on the ground floor, just by the escalators, the shop is open from 10 am to 3 pm every Wednesday and Friday, with alternating Saturdays, and sells a wide range of items donated by members of the public. These include official Yorkshire Air Ambulance merchandise, hand-knitted baby and children’s clothes, adult & children’s clothing, books, children’s toys, bric-a-brac, records, and DVDs, among other interesting items.

The shop is led by Community Fundraiser Clare Deacon, who has a team of dedicated volunteers helping her throughout the week. Clare said, ‘We’re thrilled to have reached this milestone and want to thank everyone who has donated, volunteered, or made a purchase from our shop – Every penny raised goes directly towards funding our life-saving missions, it’s a testament to the generous community spirit we have here in Yorkshire.

With such a diverse range of items available, our shop is a great place to find a bargain and support a good cause at the same time. So why not pop in and have a look around? You never know what treasures you might find!’.

Centre Manager, Jenny Murphy, said, ‘We are incredibly pleased to see the YAA pop-up shop at St. Johns Shopping Centre having so much success. The store is always so busy and the team of volunteers are just brilliant with their customers, so to hear of them reaching this impressive milestone is not a surprise. I wish them every continued success in their sales for the rest of this year’.

Peter Sunderland, the well-known and long-standing Chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance has announced he is to retire after 19 years with the life-saving charity.

Peter who is from Huddersfield, will officially retire as Chairman and Trustee at the end of June. He joined the YAA in 2004 after retiring from his role at the RMC Group PLC, where he worked for over 27 years as one of their UK Directors, bringing with him a wealth of experience in senior management, monitoring & delivering of business targets, workshops, strategic development, financial & budgetary control, and project implementation. He became Chairman in 2006 and has since led the transformation of the Charity into the successful organisation it is today.

Peter commented: “I have been a Trustee of Yorkshire Air Ambulance for 19 years now and Chairman for 17 of those years, however, I feel now is the right time to step down from my role with the Charity. Therefore, I will be retiring as both Chairman and Trustee at the end of June.

When I first joined the YAA in 2004 it was a very different organisation from the one that it is today. We had one leased Bolkow helicopter that operated from a Portakabin at Leeds Bradford airport. The administration was carried out from a small office in Dean Clough Mills in Halifax. Income from donations was very small and hardly covered our costs. A different situation from the very robust and stable position that the Charity finds itself in today, and I am so very proud of how the YAA has evolved over the years. It has truly been a team effort.”

Peter has led on the implementation of many important milestones over the years including purchasing helicopters, developing the two air bases at Nostell and Topcliffe, and gaining the Charity’s own Air Operators Certificate – the first of its kind at the time.

Abby Barmby, Director of Marketing & Communications added “Peter has truly been the pillar of YAA for nearly twenty years now and will be greatly missed by us all. His caring, yet professional leadership combined with extensive business experience proved invaluable in driving a clear vision, purpose, and strategy for the charity over the last nearly twenty years. He introduced and implemented a robust financial accounting foundation which has been built on over the years, resulting in the charity being in the strong position it is today.  He really has made YAA the respected organisation it is, not just as our Chairman but as a true Ambassador too -a legacy we will all carry forward.

On behalf of everyone at YAA we’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to both Peter and his wife Margaret who has been a wonderful support to him over the years. We are indebted to them for all they have done for the charity during Peter’s tenure as Chairman.”

When Peter stands down at the end of June, current Vice-Chairman Mike Harrop will step into the role of Chairman from the beginning of July.

Mike brings a wealth of experience from his 30-year career in the RAF including being the Station Commander at RAF Scampton, the home of the Red Arrows. He also has an extensive and in-depth knowledge of YAA after initially joining as a volunteer back in 2017, before joining the Board in 2019, and taking on the role of Vice-Chairman in 2022.

Peter added, “I am delighted to be handing the Chairmanship of YAA over to Mike who I know will take YAA forward and build on what we’ve already established with a great team to support him.”

As well as his work with YAA, Peter has also been a member of the Wakefield Cathedral Council and is a past President and Subscribers Secretary of Huddersfield Choral Society. In 2007 he was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and was awarded an MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth II in 2016 for ‘Voluntary service to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the community in West Yorkshire’.

For further information about YAA, please visit www.yaa.org.uk.

Bracken Ghyll golf club in Addingham, West Yorkshire, have raised over £12,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

The Club chose the rapid response emergency service as their charity of the year following a member’s cardiac arrest on the course.

Nigel Boot had almost finished his round on April 21^st  this year when he suffered a heart attack at the 18^th tee. His playing partner immediately phoned 999 and two members, plus the Club Pro, administered CPR and used the Club’s defibrillator.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance dispatched their Critical Care Team who managed to land on course and restarted 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.

Bracken Ghyll Golf Club have held a range of events throughout the year for Yorkshire Air Ambulance including a 72-hole challenge and a community event and have now reached their fundraising target of £12,000.

Helen Berriman, West Yorkshire Fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank Bracken Ghyll Golf Cub 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 will help greatly towards keeping our two helicopters flying and saving more lives across the region.”

Photo: Bracken Ghyll Golf Club Seniors Vice Captain Will Stoker, Lady Captain Liz White, Member Pat Murray, Ladies Vice Captain Janice Garlick, Member Judy Banks, President Ian Disley, and Yorkshire Air Ambulance West Yorkshire Fundraiser Helen Berriman.

Read more YAA news HERE.