The tight-knit community of Drax near Selby has demonstrated their unwavering support for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) by organising a successful day-long fundraising campaign, which saw many of the village’s residents come together in a series of engaging activities, that raised a staggering £1,657, along with an additional £144 through the sale of official YAA merchandise.
The village has a profound history of rallying behind the vital services provided by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, recognising its significance in a rural setting where many residents hold personal connections to its life-saving missions.
The fundraising day was comprised of three pivotal fundraising activities, beginning at The Huntsman pub with a morning cake sale, featuring an assortment of apple pies, buns, and cakes generously baked by local residents.
In the afternoon, a spirited badminton tournament took place, with entrance fees directly contributing to the air ambulance fund. This tournament, an annual event, was played for the coveted Drax Badminton Charity Cup, donated by Tony Emmerson.
The day culminated in a curry night at The Huntsman pub, where a delicious meal cooked and donated by Paul Dulkoan drew in residents and badminton players alike. The evening was a hit with locals, demonstrating the village’s ongoing dedication to supporting the cause.
Rachel Stone, representing the Badminton Club, expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the fundraising effort, stating, “The overwhelming support from our community is truly inspiring. I am thrilled to have been part of this successful fundraising day, we had so much fun, and it really brought people in our local community together for a fantastic cause. As a result, we are committed to continuing our support for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and hope to continue to raise awareness for their lifesaving missions.”
Regional Fundraising Manager for West & South Yorkshire, Vickie Cowan, extended her sincere thanks to Drax Village. She said, “The generosity and dedication shown by the residents of Drax are invaluable to us. Their efforts enable us to continue our life-saving missions, and we’re immensely grateful for their ongoing support.”
Following the success of the fundraising day, The Huntsman pub organised a Halloween party, with proceeds going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
