STATUS: Checking...

Incident round-up →

Archives: Team Members

Charles Handscomb

Meet Charles Handscomb, our charismatic Finance Officer. Hailing from the bustling streets of London, Charles made the move up north in 2004 and is now very proud to be a Yorkshireman (Although his accent still needs some work). He joined our head office team in April 2023 and has been instrumental in handling the financial intricacies of our charity’s diverse income streams.

With an impressive 35-year career primarily focused on Management Accounts, Charles reached a pivotal moment where he yearned to give back to a charitable organisation. Reflecting on his role, Charles said, “Every time I catch a glimpse of those iconic yellow helicopters soaring overhead, I swell with pride. Knowing that my work contributes to the incredible lifesaving efforts of our crew is truly inspiring.”

When Charles isn’t crunching numbers and ensuring our finances are in tip-top shape, you can find him revelling in the world of live sports, particularly football. Since 1976, he has been a dedicated supporter of Fulham Football Club (We will forgive him) and has passed on this fervour to his son, with whom he often attends matches.

Beyond his love for sports, Charles possesses a brilliant mind for puzzles and quizzes. His love for intellectual challenges led him to venture onto the television quiz show ’15 to 1.’ While luck may not have been on his side that day, his enthusiasm for games shows remains undiminished.

Claire Roberts

A head and shoulders image of a lady with longe blonde hair, wearing a black hoodie with red trim standing in front of a yellow helicopter.

Introducing Claire Roberts, our delightful West and South Regional Administrator. With her warm and friendly demeanour, Claire is the first point of contact for your queries and concerns, ensuring that your questions are answered promptly and efficiently. She also plays a vital role in booking events across the two regions, meticulously logging donations, and providing invaluable administrative support to our dedicated fundraising teams.

Before embarking on her journey with Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Claire pursued a career in education, qualifying as an early years teacher. Her passion for organising special occasions then led her to become a wedding and event co-coordinator before eventually joining the YAA team, where her exceptional organisational skills and warm-hearted nature found a perfect home.

Outside of work, Claire’s passion for the culinary arts takes the spotlight. A self-proclaimed aficionado of all things cheesy, she discovers solace and pure delight in the realm of cooking. However, whenever the opportunity presents itself to indulge in the world of Spanish Tapas, she joyfully leaps at the chance.

Will Collinson

Technical Crew Member (TCM) Will, from Baildon in Bradford, joined YAA in March 2023. Will had over nine years of experience working as a safeguarding officer with Macmillan Cancer Support and an Air Observer with British Transport Police Force.

Alongside his duties, Will volunteered for Yorkshire Ambulance Service as a community first responder, where he would occasionally be the first on scene to deliver emergency care before the ambulance crew arrived.

Most recently, Will has qualified as a contingency Fire Fighter for West Yorkshire Fire Service.

Will said, ‘I truly believe there is no better office than inside of a Helicopter’.

When he is not working, Will can be found at the side of a football pitch, cheering on the under 16’s girl’s football team that he coaches.

Interesting Fact: Will has had a Bradford City season ticket for over 25 years.

William Newton

William is from Wakefield in West Yorkshire and is our youngest Technical Crew Member (TCM). Prior to joining YAA in March 2023, he worked as a Police Officer with West Yorkshire Police for nearly four years.

Alongside working for YAA, William volunteers with the RAF Air Cadets and has been part of the organisation for ten years.

When asked why he wanted to join the YAA crew, William said, ‘I’m looking forward to the challenges of working as an aviator in a professional and experienced HEMS team.’

Outside of work, on sunny days, William can be found playing cricket and riding his mountain bike.

Interesting Fact: William flies in his spare time as he holds a fixed-wing pilot’s licence.

Loz Lyles

Head and shoulders photo of a woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue flight suit and standing in front of a yellow helicopter.

Loz was our first female Technical Crew Member (TCM) , she lives in Batley in West Yorkshire and joined YAA in March 2023. Loz began her career following a bet with her brother, who insisted she could never become a Ski Instructor. Sure enough, 6 months later Loz was fully licenced and hit the Canadian slopes for two years before returning to the UK.

Having always had a passion for aviation, Loz set for the skies with Jet 2 as Cabin Crew until Covid-19 hit. Throughout the pandemic, Loz joined Yorkshire Ambulance Service and worked as a Dispatcher, working to allocate ambulance crews across Yorkshire to medical emergencies.

Loz said, ‘I have always been interested in helping others and emergency medicine has been something I have always been drawn to, tied with my love for flying, this job was the perfect mix of both of my passions’.

In her free time, Loz can be found cuddling her two dogs, Lexi and Moose.

Interesting Fact: Loz is part of her local female Ice Hockey Team – GO LEEDS ROSES!

Josh Adams

Originally from East Yorkshire, Josh, who now lives just East of Doncaster, joined YAA in March 2023.

During his school years, the Cadets, of which Josh was a member, hosted some CCF (Combined Cadet Force) training. As part of the course, they visited an RAF base which planted the seed for Josh’s future career ambitions.

After obtaining his private pilot licence in the UK, Josh gained his commercial pilot’s licence in Orlando Florida following a 14-month course. After returning from sunny California, Josh worked as an offshore pilot on oil rigs around the UK’s East Coast.

It was later in his career, whilst working for Specialist Aviation Services, that Josh got his first taste of HEMS work, with the Children’s Air Ambulance service.

Josh said, ‘A close family friend of mine is an ex-patient of YAA and hearing about all the lifesaving work the crew carries out each day made me feel really passionate to continue to use my skills to help people’.

Being a father of two keeps Josh very busy outside of work, but when he gets the chance to hop on his motorcycle, he relishes the opportunity.

Interesting fact: Josh is a keen landscape photographer, and carried out a foundation degree at Leeds College of Art.

Rebecca Selkirk

Meet Rebecca Selkirk, our bubbly Public Relations and Engagement Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance. A proud Northerner, Rebecca lives in Leeds and joined the YAA team in January 2023. With a zest for storytelling, she is responsible for sharing the incredible tales of our fundraising triumphs, charity milestones, and heartwarming patient stories with local press publications. Through her efforts, she ensures that the vital mission of our charity resonates far and wide.

Rebecca’s journey in the realm of healthcare communications began within the esteemed NHS before expanding her experience at a rapidly growing care home company, as part of their press office. Rebecca said, “Working within the healthcare industry has always held a special place in my heart. The privilege of meeting and interacting with inspiring patients, and being a part of their journeys, is truly remarkable. When the opportunity arose to be a part of such an iconic Yorkshire charity, I enthusiastically leapt at the chance.”

Beyond the world of press releases and engaging narratives, you’ll find Rebecca immersed in the electrifying atmosphere of gigs and festivals. Additionally, Rebecca passionately pursues her love for horse riding, embracing the excitement and adrenaline that comes from the equestrian world.

An interesting fact about Rebecca adds to her vibrant personality: She resided on the sun-kissed island of Lanzarote, Spain, from the ages of 11 to 16, immersing herself in the vibrant culture and becoming fluent in Spanish. This unique experience bestowed upon her a deep appreciation for diversity and a love for embracing different cultures.

Adele Garland

Introducing Adele Garland, our vibrant and talented Social Media Executive. With her infectious energy and creative flair, Adele takes the reins of our social platforms, weaving her magic to engage and captivate audiences. From our crew of pilots and paramedics to our fundraising teams and head office staff, she effortlessly brings everyone together to create captivating content that spreads joy and raises awareness of our vital missions.

Adele’s professional journey began in the field of Marketing, but she embarked on an exciting detour, completing a PGCE and venturing into primary school teaching. However, her passion for marketing drew her back to the field when she joined our YAA marketing team in June 2022.

Beyond her digital endeavours, Adele cherishes the time spent with her teenage daughters. They often enjoy leisurely walks together, seizing the opportunity to take photographs of their beautiful surroundings.

An interesting fact about Adele is that her heart is captivated by Italy. She dreams of one day having her own little stone cottage in the charming region of Tuscany. Adele is currently dedicating herself to learning the Italian language, eagerly anticipating the day when she can fully immerse herself in the warm embrace of Italia.

Shop