Angela Brearley – Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Enhances Community Safety with New Public Defibrillator in Elland

19 June 202423 May 2024 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is proud to announce the installation of a new public defibrillator outside its Cayley House head office, on South Lane, in Elland. This initiative, supported by Neil Davidson and his Community CPR Fund, aims to enhance the safety and well-being of the local community by providing immediate access to lifesaving equipment.

Neil, who is a cardiac arrest survivor himself and local advocate for CPR training, kindly supported the funding of the weatherproof external defibrillator cabinet to house the device.

After experiencing a cardiac arrest in 2017, during which his then 25-year-old son performed lifesaving CPR, Neil has been passionately committed to increasing public access to CPR training and defibrillators throughout Calderdale.

Neil stated, “My Community CPR Fund is dedicated to providing essential resources like External Defib cabinets to organisations such as Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Making this defibrillator available 24/7 to the Elland community is a crucial step in saving lives.”

The defibrillator, supplied by YAA, is fully automated and equipped with simple voice prompts, ensuring that even untrained individuals can confidently use them during a cardiac emergency.

The new defibrillator is now one of nine public defibrillators in Elland, located at strategic points including: Elland Working Men’s Club, Elland Fire Station, W J Roadmarkings Ltd, J C Health & Fitness Ltd, 102 Southgate, a post box 30 meters from Ainley Mount on Huddersfield Road, Screwfix Elland, THS Industrial Tiles, and Cross Lane Primary School.

Louise Shorrock, Office Manager at Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Cayley House, added, “These defibrillators are designed to be user-friendly, with no formal training needed, which helps instil confidence in those who might need to use them. As a community-focused, patient centric, organisation, we’re committed to exploring all possible ways to support people in need as much as possible. Being based on a busy road, surrounded by local businesses and opposite an Aldi supermarket means it is always busy in the local vicinity. We hope it will give the local Elland community piece of mind that there is a publicly accessible defibrillator in the proximity.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance continues to support community health initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to saving lives and improving emergency response capabilities across the region.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ wins ‘Best in Show’ at Harrogate Flower Show

19 June 202425 April 2024 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been announced as the ‘Best in Show’ at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show.

Designed by York based Kate Smithson, the ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ encompasses place of remembrance and tranquillity where those who have been affected by the work of YAA can go to remember and reflect on their experiences, or in memory of loved ones. A lasting memorial, the garden will become a legacy for the community and beyond for years to come through lasting dedications to those we love, when it relocates to its permanent home in Roundhay Park later this year.

The garden was only made possible through generous sponsorship and funding from organisations including Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust.

Judges comments included “well done… an excellent garden that followed the brief closely. Well scaled and in proportion.”

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Taking centre stage in the garden is a metal, yellow pergola which reflects the blades and colour of the YAA helicopters. Soft, billowing planting and a central reflective pool celebrate the varied landscapes of Yorkshire that the helicopters fly over on a daily basis. The space aims to exude calmness and tranquillity, contrasting the major trauma YAA deals with every day.

Designer Kate Smithson added: “I am absolutely thrilled to have not only been awarded a Premier Gold Award, but also to be given the accolade of ‘Best in Show’. It has been a real honour and privilege to have designed this garden for YAA and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team. I hope the visitors to the show over the next few days will love the garden as much as I have loved designing it, and I look forward to developing it further for the public when it relocates to Roundhay Park permanently after the show.”

Once in its new home at Roundhay Park, YAA plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones, or as a patient who has used their service.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Announces New Memorial Garden

19 June 202415 April 2024 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance have announced plans for a new, public memorial garden. To be launched at this year’s Harrogate Flower Show, the garden will eventually take up its permanent home in Roundhay Park, Leeds, where it will be on display and easily accessible for everyone.

Designed by York based Kate Smithson, a graduate of the Yorkshire School of Garden Design, the ‘Reflection and Remembrance Garden’ will be a place of remembrance and tranquillity where those who have been affected by the work of YAA can come to remember and reflect on their experiences, or in memory of loved ones. A lasting memorial, the garden will become a legacy for the community and beyond for years to come through lasting dedications to those we love, when it relocates to its permanent home in Roundhay Park later this spring.

Tessa Klemz, Regional Fundraising Manager for YAA explains: “YAA have long been considering some type of long-lasting memorial area for our supporters to appreciate and utilise. When the opportunity from the Harrogate Flower Show came along for us to have a garden at this year’s show, we knew it would be the ideal opportunity. Kate’s proposed design captivated us from the outset. She has captured exactly what we were looking for – to create a place of memories, tranquillity and peacefulness. We are also absolutely delighted that Leeds City Council are able to give the garden a permanent home at Roundhay Park, where members of the public can access the garden on a daily basis – as well as the garden being able to grow and mature over the years to come. The garden will also accommodate lasting dedications for families of loved ones and support the life-saving work of YAA.”

Taking centre stage in the garden is a metal, yellow pergola which reflects the blades and colour of the YAA helicopters. Soft, billowing planting and a central reflective pool will celebrate the varied landscapes of Yorkshire that the helicopters fly over on a daily basis. The space aims to exude calmness and tranquillity, contrasting the major trauma YAA deals with every day.

Tessa also added: “The build and installation of the garden at the show would not have been possible without the generosity of some wonderful sponsors who have kindly provided support to cover any costs involved with this project. Our sincere thanks go to organisations including Redmayne Bentley, The North of England Horticultural Society, Woods of Harrogate, The Arnold Burton Charitable Trust, RB Gray Charitable Trust, Ilkley Charitable Trust, and The Peacock (Leeds) Trust for supporting this fantastic garden.”

Kate Smithson who designed the garden added: “It has been a real joy to think about creating a garden that celebrates the vital work that the YAA do across the Yorkshire region. It was important for us to create an uplifting space, full of positivity and yet also give space for reflection and contemplation. I wanted to incorporate the bold yellow YAA colour and bring people closer to the joys that can be found in nature, using fresh and lush greens in a celebration of Spring.

We then look forward to developing this further for the permanent legacy garden to create a space that will be beautiful year-round and become a place for people to come and reflect on the lifesaving work the YAA do. I’d also like to pass my sincere thanks to several local businesses who supported my design and vision to bring the garden to fruition – these include Tong Garden Centre, Kendrew Architectural Metalwork, Traditional Stone, Urbis Design, D-Tail Plants, Wykeham Mature Plants, and the Yorkshire School of Garden Design.”

YAA’s garden will be on display at Harrogate Flower Show, which takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground from Thursday 25^th to Sunday 28^th April, before being moved to its permanent home in Roundhay Park. Further details on when the garden will be open to the public at Roundhay Park will be announced by YAA in due course.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is proud to announce its upcoming Yellow Yorkshire race night at the legendary Doncaster Racecourse on April 27th, 2024.

9 April 20244 April 2024 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is proud to announce its upcoming Yellow Yorkshire race night at the legendary Doncaster Racecourse on April 27th, 2024.

This exciting event is the highlight in the charity’s month-long ‘Yellow Yorkshire’ awareness campaign, which is in its tenth year, aiming to raise crucial funds for the life-saving services it provides.

The Yellow Yorkshire Race Festival promises a day of exhilarating horse racing, delicious food and drink, and entertainment. With only 500 tickets available, through the charity’s website, racegoers can secure their spot on the night with as little as £10 donation, offering a savings of over 50% on the gate admission.

On the day, the racecourse will be enhanced with vibrant yellow décor, including a customised, one of a kind, YAA themed horse rug which will be displayed on the iconic Double Trigger statue. Additionally, YAA yellow banners and signage will help to transform the racecourse into a sea of yellow to symbolising Doncaster’s solidarity with Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Yellow Yorkshire campaign and vital missions.

Attendees can enhance their experience with the Hospitality Package – an Exclusive Royal Box Experience. This comprehensive package offers a range of benefits including a three-course meal, race card, dedicated YAA hosts, private bar facilities, and a secluded balcony for optimal race viewing.

Community Fundraising Manager for West and South Yorkshire, Vickie Cowan, said, “I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm and support from our local community for the Yellow Yorkshire race night. Events like these not only bring people together for a day of fun and excitement but also play a crucial role in raising the funds needed to keep our lifesaving service operational. Yorkshire Air Ambulance receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on donations – we simply couldn’t help the growing number of people who need us, without the support and generosity of our loyal supporters – we look forward to seeing you all at the racecourse!”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance also extends its gratitude to local businesses sponsoring the evenings races, including Park Lodge Shooting School, The Lister Arms Malham, Brewin Dolphin, 5 Rise Contractors and Bentley Drains, who are all directly contributing to YAA’s cause and ensuring the race festival’s success.

Mark Edwards, Sales Manager for the North at Arena Racing, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting Yorkshire Air Ambulance, stating, “It’s been a pleasure working closely with Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the run-up to this racing event. We aspire to make a real difference with the funds raised and eagerly anticipate welcoming all of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s guests to Doncaster for an incredible night of horse racing and fundraising.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance make switch to innovative new fuel

9 April 20241 April 2024 by Angela Brearley

From Monday 1^st of April, the two Airbus H145 D3 helicopters the Charity operates will be fuelled by Yorkshire Tea.

Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation at YAA explains: “The people of Yorkshire are pretty much fuelled by Yorkshire Tea, so why not the YAA helicopters? We have been considering making the switch for a while now, and today was the big day. The kettle is on continual boil whilst our crew makes sure that there is always a proper brew ready to fill the helicopters up with.

We had considered other alternative fuel sources however Yorkshire Tea was the obvious choice. It’s at the heart of everything we do at YAA. Crew morning brief with a cup of Yorkshire Tea, debrief after a serious incident with a cup of Yorkshire Tea, quick brew before the end of each shift – even our Head Office staff can’t function without a continual supply of Yorkshire Tea. It just made sense for us to switch the helicopters over to running on Yorkshire Tea too.”

Steve concluded: “Obviously it’s going to take a lot of teabags to keep both helicopters in the air and helping to save lives across Yorkshire. As an independent Charity, we rely solely on the generosity of our supporters to help us raise those vital funds. So, if anyone would like to donate towards the fuelling of G-YAAA and G-YORX, please head over to our website and donate at www.yorkshireairambulance.co.uk/donate.

YAA Launches New Schools Initiative as Part of Upcoming Yellow Yorkshire Campaign

28 March 202415 March 2024 by Angela Brearley

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is inviting all primary schools, nurseries and childcare settings across Yorkshire to become Heli Heroes by taking on their brand new ‘Heli Hop’ challenge this April.

The Heli Hop involves children taking on the sponsored hop, skip, run or walk at a time and date in April decided by the education or childcare setting, all while dressed in custom Heli Hop headbands provided by the emergency service charity.

In addition, each child will receive a certificate following their Heli Hop, celebrating their commitment to making a positive impact within their local community.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Heli Hop offers schools a unique educational opportunity, combining learning about the vital air ambulance service and the impact of community involvement, whilst encouraging physical activity, aligning with the UK’s learning curriculum.

With 9 schools across Yorkshire currently on board and over 1000 students registered to take part, the Heli Hop is poised to make a significant contribution to the fundraising campaign, thereby greatly supporting YAA’s life-saving missions.

Specialist HEMS Paramedic, Matty McCabe, said, “The Heli Hop is an exciting addition to our Yellow Yorkshire campaign, and I’m thrilled that we can offer a glimpse into our life-saving missions to local children. Who knows, perhaps one of them will be inspired to pursue a career as a paramedic or work in HEMS. Every school and childcare provider that joins us on our Heli Hop challenge, stands in solidarity with our life-saving work, ensuring we can continue flying across Yorkshire and making a difference where it matters most!”

The Yellow Yorkshire campaign, which is celebrating its 10^th anniversary, has grown over the years from a one-day event to an entire fundraising month in April, raising thousands of pounds to support the vital work of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Regional Fundraising Manager for North and East Yorkshire, Tessa Klemz, said, “We can’t wait to see how many local schools and nurseries join us this year, not only will they have fun with friends, but they will be learning about the essential services that we offer to our patients and their families.”

To sign up your school or childcare setting up for this year’s Heli Hop click here.

Wakefield Apprentice Makes ‘Bald’ Move for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

22 May 20241 June 2023 by Angela Brearley

Jack Dunwell, a 17-year-old maintenance apprentice from Wakefield, has braved the shave to raise an impressive £1000 to support the rapid emergency response charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Working at The Nostell Estate in Wakefield, which is home to one of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s operational air bases, Jack was motivated to make a difference within his local community. Although Jack had been growing his curly shoulder-length hair for a while, he made the selfless decision to part ways with his locks for a good cause.

A man with shoulder length curly dark hair standing in front of a stone wall — Prior to shaving his head, Jack’s curly hair reached his shoulders.

In addition to his cash donation for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Jack was also determined to support the work of Little Princess Trust by donating his hair to help make high-quality, human hair wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments.

Speaking about his experience, Jack said, ‘I am thrilled to have raised £1000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and supported the Little Princess Trust with my hair donation. It was an honour to support such worthy causes and make a difference in my community.

I always see the Helicopter flying over the Nostell Estate while I am working and wonder where the team are going and whose life they may be saving. I hope that my efforts can inspire others to contribute and help the charities continue their life-saving work’.

Initially setting a £500 target, Jack was thrilled to have received over £887 through his online Just Giving page. To help increase Jack’s target, his mother, Karen Chatterton, organised a luxury hamper to be raffled on the day for additional funds. The hamper raised £156, giving Jack an overall total of over £1000.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Reginal Fundraiser, Helen Berriman, attended the head shave and presented Jack with an official YAA Beanie to keep his head warm afterwards. She said, ‘We’re absolutely thrilled with Jack’s donation. It’s heart-warming to see such generosity from someone so young, and it’s truly inspiring to see Jack go above and beyond to support both our charity and the Little Princess Trust.

Man wearing a woolly hat and yellow charity T-shirt — Jack Dunwell, kept his head warm with his new YAA beanie hat after his head shave to raise funds for YAA.

We’re also very grateful to Karen for organising the raffle hamper, which helped Jack double his initial fundraising goal. Every penny counts, and with Jack’s £1000 donation, we can continue to provide rapid response, emergency medical care to those in need across Yorkshire’.

Hoodies for Heroes: Luce and Bear’s Sister Duo Launches First Charity Collaboration with YAA

22 May 202418 May 2023 by Angela Brearley

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.

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From tragedy to triumph: Yorkshire Air Ambulance patient finds purpose after life-changing accident.

22 May 202417 May 2023 by Angela Brearley

On the 26^th of June 2013, Sam Waddington from Bridlington in East Yorkshire was travelling home from work on his Motorbike when a car hit him whilst he was travelling at approximately 37 miles per hour, leaving Sam with life-changing injuries.

Sam, who at the time was employed as a sheet metal worker at a local factory, finished his shift early and hopped on his streetfighter-style Triumph Speed Triple motorbike to head home. Whilst Sam was weaving through bumper-to-bumper traffic, a car pulled out suddenly to access a slip road, ploughing straight into Sam as he passed by.

Sam was thrown from his bike, which was later found in three pieces, and passers-by including an off-duty police officer quickly sprung to action, calling the emergency services. Sam sustained many serious injuries, including a number of fractured vertebrae, broken femur, nose, collarbone, shoulder, and ribs along with many other scrapes and cuts to his skin.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance dispatched one of their helicopters and after an assessment on-scene, Sam was flown to Hull Royal Infirmary where he received lifesaving surgery before being placed into a medically induced coma for a week.

At the age of 24, Sam’s life was forever altered when his leg was amputated below the knee after doctors were unable to preserve it during his two-month hospitalisation.

Sam remembers how consultants originally told his family that his injuries were so severe that at the time of admission, his condition was really touch and go as to whether or not he would survive.

Sam was determined once he was home to commit to his physiotherapy, with his main goal to return to work. Sam recalled ‘When I was in hospital, time felt like a blur, but I knew when I was back home that would be when the real work really had to take place. I was keen to get back to work and have my normal life again’.

Sam reached his goal to return to work after an intensive 18-month recovery. However, as his life gradually regained a sense of normality, he felt his outlook on life had altered forever. Sam said, ‘I had a fresh prospective on life, and I knew there was so much out there to see… I came so close to death that I felt I had a second chance. It was time to make a change, and see the world’.

It was during his adventures across the globe, Sam met the love of his life, Amber, and the pair were soon married. The couple spent nearly five years backpacking around Europe, Asia, and America before returning to the UK to settle down. During this time, Sam also gained his personal Helicopter License and now relishes the opportunity to fly, only this time, under much happier circumstances.

Speaking on his travel memories, Sam said, ‘Sure, it would be amazing to have my leg back, but the things I have gone on to do and the people I have met and places I have seen have been incredible, and I wouldn’t have done them if I didn’t have my accident. If I still had my leg, I probably wouldn’t have met my wife, which seems so crazy to me!’.

Today, Sam works for Fletchers Group as Charity and Partnerships Coordinator. A law firm which is dedicated to supporting individuals with life-changing injuries for over 30 years.

When referring to his accident, and the people who helped to save his life, Sam said, ‘Without Yorkshire Air Ambulance, I honestly believe I wouldn’t be here today. The team were instrumental in getting me to hospital as fast as they did. Although I don’t remember much from the day, I cannot thank each and every person for their help, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.

To anybody who may find themselves in a similar situation to myself, and facing life as an amputee, just know – don’t give up on life. Things will get better, and I am living proof that with the right mindset, life can be an incredible thing, even without my leg!’.

Follow Sam’s adventures on his everyday_amputee Instagram page.

Paralysed Former Air Ambulance Patient Takes on Ambitious Triathlon Fundraising Challenge

22 May 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.

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