Angela Brearley

A woman seriously injured outside Halifax Piece Hall last year, resulting in the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) landing in the Grade I listed building’s courtyard, is organising a charity walk on her 80^th birthday for her YAA lifesavers.

On 30^th January 2020 Loraine Greenwood from Halifax was collecting items for a church coffee morning when she was hit by a bus.

Due to the severity of the injury, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched. As the aircraft requires a large landing space, the only place suitable in the town centre was the courtyard of Grade I listed 18^th century building, the Piece Hall.

The YAA Critical Care Team made a decision to fly Loraine to Leeds General Infirmary and she spent 10 hours in an operating theatre undergoing reconstructive surgery.

The eight-mile walk organised by Loraine and her close friends for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which is also open to the public, will take place on Saturday 4^th September setting off at 10am from St Matthew’s Church in Northowram. Event organisers are hoping to sell 100 tickets to members of the public.

Tickets for the walk cost £10 for adults, £5 for under 16s and £5 per dog. Included in the tickets are pie and peas at the church afterwards.  The pie and pea meal can be pre-ordered for those not taking part on the walk for £5. Closing date for the walk and pie and peas is 28^th August 2021 and no further entries will be permitted on the day.

There will also be an opportunity to meet Yorkshire Air Ambulance fundraisers at the walk to ask questions about the charity and learn all about their lifesaving work in the Halifax area.

Speaking of the incident, Loraine said: “I could have lost my leg or my life. I cannot thank the emergency services, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at the hospital enough for everything they have done for me. I’m so grateful that I have a life and I’ll do the best I can with it.”

Event organiser Linda McCormick, said: “Yorkshire Air Ambulance is such an important local charity, and they need all the support they can get to keep them flying across the region and saving lives. We’re looking forward to celebrating Loraine’s 80^th birthday and raising vital funds for such a worthwhile cause.”

Vickie Bowden, West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser for YAA, said: “We would like to thank Loraine and her friends and family for organising this walk.

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 the vital funding of our service.”

To enter the walk contact Linda McCormick on 07733 192864 or download and complete the entry form and return to the address found on the form.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) are delighted to confirm that they will be replacing their current Airbus H145 D2 helicopters with the next generation aircraft by the end of Summer 2023.  The YAA will be the first organisation in the UK to receive the brand new, 5-bladed H145 D3 model.

The two current YAA helicopters, G-YAAC and G-YOAA, which came into service in 2016, will be replaced by a more advanced and state-of-the-art version of their current model, the Airbus H145.  The decision to replace the helicopters is to ensure the people of Yorkshire receive the best operational and medical service from the life-saving Charity.

Steve Waudby, Director of Aviation explains: “Our two current helicopters, G-YAAC and G-YOAA have served us well since 2016 and will continue to do so for another few years.  However, the typical effective lifespan of an air ambulance helicopter is somewhere between 7 to 10 years, so we are placing a timely order now for delivery in 2023, whilst taking advantage of early Airbus production line slots, as this helicopter has become very popular within the air ambulance community.  There have also been a lot of advancements made to the H145 since we bought our current aircraft – both technically in the cockpit, and medically with regards to the equipment we carry.   We had the choice to look at retrospectively fitting these technological advancements or upgrading to brand-new helicopters that include everything as part of their specification.  Given the complexities of helicopter mechanics, we would have also faced a longer lead time with having everything retrospectively fitted rather than buying new, so it was sensible for the Charity to upgrade the helicopters for new ones.”

The first of the two new helicopters is expected to arrive in Yorkshire in Spring 2023, with the second following shortly after in Summer 2023.

Steve added “If we had taken the decision to retrospectively fit all the extra technology and equipment we needed, by the time that had been completed we’d have been at a point where we would have been starting to look at replacing our current helicopters.  Bringing our plans forward by a year or two means we get best value, as well as bringing two even better state-of-the-art helicopters to the people of Yorkshire.”

Advancements to the new model includes a 5-bladed rotor head which will provide a smoother flight for the crew and patients, on board Wi-Fi to allow patient records to be updated inflight, and a cutting-edge secure communications system which will allow the crew to send patient data ahead to their destination hospital, allowing Doctors and Nurses to start evaluating and assessing the patient before they arrive.  There will also be an improved medical fit alongside some of the most advanced and innovative equipment for treating patients at scene and in-flight.

Peter Sunderland, Chairman of the YAA commented “We are delighted to be able to announce our plans for these new helicopters.  The H145 has become the most popular new aircraft globally and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the two new models to Yorkshire in Spring and Summer of 2023.  Our current H145 D2 helicopters have served us well, so there was no question about considering other makes or models – it is fast becoming the air-ambulance helicopter of choice within the air ambulance sector.”

Peter continues: “We have been financially planning for these replacements since G-YAAC and G-YOAA commenced their operations in 2016 and with prudent, planned savings, careful budgeting, and building our reserves we are now in a position to move forward.  This has only been made possible through the generosity of individuals, groups, businesses and organisations whose support is so gratefully received. Our aim has always been to provide the people of Yorkshire and its visitors with the best possible air ambulance service, and by upgrading our helicopters in 2023 we can continue to ensure we are futureproofing and modernising our operations and service delivery.”

The new helicopters, complete with full medical fit out, will cost approximately £15.3M which is being funded through careful financial planning and reserves.  Current aircraft G-YAAC and G-YOAA will be sold to offset some of these costs.

Gary Clark, Head of Civil Business, Airbus Helicopters in the UK added: “We greatly appreciate this show of confidence from Yorkshire Air Ambulance in once again selecting the H145 to replace its current helicopter fleet. The new version of the H145 with its five-blade, bearingless rotor gives an even smoother ride and 150kg greater useful load, plus the potential for longer endurance without refuelling – all important factors in helping air ambulance operators do their vital work more efficiently than ever. We wish YAA well in their daily operations.”

Following the easing of lock down restrictions, the YAA fundraising team have worked with a professional safety company to carefully consider their return to fundraising activities with minimum risk to employees, volunteers, donors and the general public.

The YAA now have supporting Covid-19 specific risk assessments. These have been designed and implemented to follow government guidelines and are reviewed weekly and communicated to the teams.

If anyone would like to learn more about the YAA’s return to fundraising activities, please email info@yaa.org.uk and we will be happy to supply more details.

From Whitehaven to Sunderland, the team of eight Roads Policing Officers from West Yorkshire Police will cycle circa 130 miles in just 3 days, raising money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity solely run by donations, relying on the generosity of the public to help keep both their air ambulances maintained and in the air, which costs £12,000 every day.

Richard Clarke, West Yorkshire Police, Roads Policing Officer said:

“We as a team, among other things attend, help and investigate all the serious and fatal road collisions in West Yorkshire. Our work often includes incidents where the Yorkshire Air Ambulance will be deployed to the scene. We can recall numerous incidents we have dealt with where the helicopter has attended, and lives have clearly been saved by air lifting patients to the hospitals in the golden hour of first aid.”

Compliance365 are sponsoring the West Yorkshire Police on their Coast2Coast cycle, raising money through dress down days in their office and purchasing limited addition Yorkshire Air Ambulance cycling jerseys for the team to wear during their cycle.

The Coast2Coast cycle will take place from the 2nd of October to the 4th of October, with the Road Policing Officers starting straight after their night shift!

Yummy Fest, which takes place on the 15th & 16th of July, has seen over 20,000 visitors flock to site since its inaugural year in 2015 and 2017 promises to be even better. 2017 sees Yorkshire Air Ambulance return as the festivals named charity partner, with a helicopter landing scheduled for the Sunday the 16th of July 2017, subject to operational requirements.

Yummy Yorkshire will also welcome Wakefield Grammar School Foundation on site as the main sponsor.

Yummy Fest pays homage to the ice cream company’s farming heritage with a display of vintage tractors but that forms only a small part of this family friendly event. Visitors will be able to enjoy FREE entertainment across the course of the weekend, with plenty to keep the littlies and grown-ups busy, including:

·         hands on craft and chocolate workshops,

·         interactive dance sessions with StarMovers,

·         pizza cooking demonstrations with DeliVita Ltd,

·         Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, Yummy Fest’s main sponsor, will also be on site encouraging visitors to take part in a little healthy competition in the shape of a swing ball contest (or two),

·         a dedicated kids zone with children’s fairground rides, a small steam train ride and of course the Yummy Yorkshire Ice Cream trailer,

·         a variety of live music and entertainment from local bands and artists.

In keeping with Yummy Yorkshire’s culinary passion, there will be an abundance of street food producers on site selling their amazing produce along with a Stancill Brewery Bar in the main event tent.  Add to this a Made and Found Market showcasing some of the best local artisan producers and Yummy Fest offers something for all the family to enjoy!

Visitors are also invited to carry on the fun as Ordinary Men ROCK the Saturday evening party at Yummy Fest 2017! Adult entrance tickets cost £7.50 and are available from The Parlour or online at www.yummyyorkshire.co.uk/shop.

Yummy Yorkshire’s owner Jeremy Holmes commented:

“We’re very excited about Yummy Fest 2017, last year’s event was really well received and we hope to build upon its success offering visitors a relaxed festival feel that has something to offer all the family”.

“We are delighted to be able to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance again this year, the work they do is invaluable, especially in the rural community in which we live”.

“We’re gearing up for a festival atmosphere with lots of family fun, think excellent acoustic music sets, craft and chocolate making workshops, cooking demonstrations and may be even some raw milk sampling, there really will be something for everyone to enjoy.  Gate entry into the event is FREE, visitors will simply be asked to make a minimum donation of £2 for parking with proceeds being donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Camping will be available onsite and we welcome Ordinary Men who promise to rock our Saturday evening party!”

“We really look forward to welcoming visitors on site for this family festival!”

Anybody interested in showing a vehicle should contact Yummy Yorkshire direct or visit our site to download a registration form; www.yummyyorkshire.co.uk/tractor-fest.

The YAA has worked with BIU since 2005 and now has over 260 textile recycling banks at household waste sites, supermarkets and car parks across Yorkshire.

The charity’s Partnerships Manager Katie Collinson said: “We have a brilliant relationship with BIU, who give us a percentage of all recycled material we collect. This is usually worth around £300,000 each year which is amazing.

“We are looking forward to further developing our partnership and hope people across Yorkshire will continue to support us by donating the things they no longer want.”

BIU has been recycling unwanted clothes, shoes and household textiles for the past 12 years, generating vital income streams for its charity partners.

Dave Swindells, BIU’s Managing Director, said: “Our textile recycling scheme was launched with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in 2005 and we are delighted to have raised over £2.5 million over this time, helping to fund the amazing work carried out by the charity.

“Together we have grown the scheme to enable the charity to invest in its life-saving work and help with daily operational costs. We would like to thank local businesses and the general public for their generous support of this scheme.

“We look forward to continuing working in partnership with the YAA for many years to come, growing our network of clothing banks throughout Yorkshire and securing this essential funding for the charity.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance serves 5million people and carries out over 1,250 missions every year. It needs to raise £12,000 every day and has just replaced its two, ageing aircraft with brand new, state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters.

Picture caption: From L to R: Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedic Kit von Mickwitz, BIU Group Directors Barry Wilson, Helen Walker and Louise Knapton with BIU Charity Partnership Manager Wendy Yarney and Yorkshire Air Ambulance Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland.

In order to recieve generous donations of old textiles, clothing banks must be hosted by secure and easily accessible sites. These sites include supermarkets large and small, carparks and other public areas. Hosting these banks means that charities such as ourselves and the BIU Group are able to continue recieving and generating this service.

The BIU Group Milestone Scheme recognises the generosity and hard work of site hosts who host a BIU textile recycling bank to raise money for their local charity. The Milestone Scheme is divided into 4 categories and calculated across 12 months from the 1st January each year.

If a clothing bank on a site has over 600 bags donated they will be awarded Bronze status, an end of year thankyou certificate will be issued and displayed to bronze status sites. Silver staus is awarded when a site reaches over 1200 bags, sites of whom will then recieve social media thankyous and coverage as well as a certificate.

A site that hosts a bag that has over 2400 bags donated will be awarded Gold status. For those that reach Gold status, BIU will add photos of the bank and site, cover on social media and issue a display certificate. Finally should a site host have a bank overflowing with 3000+ bags of textiles donated that site will then be awarded Platinum status. In this case BIU Group will ask the charity partner to issue a press release to celebrate the fantastic achievment, including a photo.

This scheme is aimed at raising money for local charities, showing gratitude for local site hosts and looking after the local communities. For more information about the scheme you can contact info@biugroup.co.uk

Students at Manor CE Academy were so upset when a fellow student had an accident at school that they wanted to do something to say thank you to the people who saved him. So year 9 music students (aged 13-14) have written and recorded six new original Christmas songs to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The album, called “The Light”, features the six new songs and a hilarious new podcast by Wes, Josh and Brad Needham, triplet brothers in year 11. The album was all produced by students and staff in the music department and will be available to pre-order on the iTunes music store from 23rd November. The official release date is 5th December and all proceeds will go to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity.

Leeds Building Society will be helping to turn Yorkshire yellow next month to raise vital funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) service.

A wide range of yellow-themed fundraising events will be taking place at the Society’s Leeds Head Office and in each of its 27 Yorkshire branches on Friday July 1 – Yellow Yorkshire Day.

These include yellow-themed cake sales, treasure hunts and a special Thai yellow curry will be served up in the head office café, as an alternative to the traditional Friday fish and chips.

Leeds Building Society’s Colleague Charity Group has chosen to support YAA for the last two years and have so far raised £13,000 for the rapid response emergency service.

Robin Litten, Chief Financial Officer at Leeds Building Society, said: “I was very pleased to attend a presentation from Yorkshire Air Ambulance to hear more about the charity, and also from an accident survivor who benefitted from their work.

“I am delighted that all our Yorkshire-based colleagues are getting involved in Yellow Yorkshire Day to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause.”

Following its hugely successful Yellow Yorkshire Campaign last year, YAA is encouraging schools, businesses, community groups and organisations to have some more yellow-themed fun on Friday July 1.

Kerry Garner, YAA Regional Fundraising Manager, said: “We are really grateful to Leeds Building Society for the tremendous fundraising they have already done for us and for the way they are getting behind Yellow Yorkshire Day.

“We had a brilliant response from people across Yorkshire last year and we’re hoping for another amazing Yellow Yorkshire Day on July 1.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance serves five million people across Yorkshire and has carried more than 6,600 people in its 15-year history.

The charity has just placed an order for two, brand new state-of-the-art replacements for its current ageing aircraft – G-SASH and G-CEMS – that will take to the skies over Yorkshire later this year and in Spring 2017.

The latest generation Airbus H145 helicopters will give paramedics a much more modern medical fit-out to treat and transport often critically injured patients.

The Yorkshire Rows team Helen Butters, 45, Janette Benaddi, 51, Niki Doeg, 44, and Frances Davies, 47 are racing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Antigua, in the Caribbean, as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.

The mammoth challenge will take the quartet between five to ten weeks to complete and will see them battle 30ft waves, sharks, exhaustion, sleep deprivation and sea-sickness, as well as chafing in all manner of places.

Christmas and New Year will also be spent away from their families, with pineapple chunks and tinned sardines replacing the traditional Christmas dinner.

Hailing from York and Selby, the team met four years ago at York’s Guy Fawkes Boat Club and made the brave decision to enter the race over a glass of wine at the boat club dinner.

Since then, they have spent the past two years juggling both physical and mental training with their full-time jobs and busy family lives, with two children each.

With just two weeks left until the biggest challenge of their lives, the team said a final goodbye to their families at Manchester Airport today as they flew out to La Gomera for last minute preparations before the race starts on December 15.

The team is hoping to raise more than £100,000, which will be split between the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) and Maggie’s cancer centres who hope to open a new support centre in Leeds in 2017.

Helen Butters, a communications expert in the NHS, said:

“This row to me is about empowerment – showing that ordinary women can achieve extraordinary things with hard work and determination. It has been an intense two years of planning and organising and it will be a doubly intense two months with no sleep and rowing continuously on an ocean that really scares me – but this challenge will have a huge impact and make a difference to so many people’s lives. We never expected this much support and we really just want to get in the boat and do it now.”

Maggie’s Chief Executive, Laura Lee added:

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the Yorkshire Rows team for choosing to sign up to this incredible challenge. The team’s fundraising efforts will make a huge difference in helping us to build the new centre at St James’s University Hospital. We wish them the best of luck when they start the challenge in December.”

Paul Gowland, Director of Fundraising at YAA said:

“We wish the Yorkshire Rows team every success for what is an unbelievable challenge. It shows an amazing amount of strength that whilst these brave ladies are rowing across the Atlantic, they are thinking of others and helping to save lives across Yorkshire. Our very best wishes are with them and we are grateful they are supporting the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.”

Welcome to Yorkshire is supporting the team throughout their challenge.

Sir Gary Verity, Chief Executive said:

“The Yorkshire Rows are an inspiration to us all and prove that if you put your mind to something anything is possible. We’re proud to be supporting the Yorkshire Rows during their incredible challenge and we wish them the very best of luck – we will be with them every stroke of the way!”

The team will be writing a regular blog documenting their journey. To follow their progress visit blog.mailasail.com/yr

To follow the race live, download the Yellow Brick Race Viewer app available for both iPhone and Android. For more information visit www.ybtracking.com

Printing company, instantprint, support YAA as part of their Christmas campaign

South Yorkshire based online printing company, instantprint are helping us to raise funds through their beautifully designed Christmas cards. As fellow Yorkshire folk, instantprint wanted to support a charity that saves lives in their community.

To help with fundraising, instantprint have dedicated the Christmas card section of their site to YAA. Simply select a Christmas card design you love, and the YAA logo will automatically be uploaded to your card using the ‘design online’ tool.

For each order placed, instantprint are donating £5 to YAA. instantprint are big fans of what YAA do, and they would like to help us continue to do good throughout Yorkshire by fundraising.

James Kinsella, co-owner of instantprint said: “The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is such an important service that has helped save the lives of many people. We’re so excited to be contributing towards such an amazing cause and raising those all-important funds to keep YAA in the skies.

“We’re donating £5 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance for each order placed. What’s more, you can help raise even more for your favourite charity by sharing your generosity on social media using #IPcharitycards.”

The campaign will be running from 22 October – 21 December in the hope of raising as much as possible for YAA. Prices start from £21, and cards can be bought in packs of 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000. Can we count on your support?