Yorkshire Air Ambulance Archives

GALLERY: The Sights and Sounds of Ripon attract residents of all agesKnaresborough tractor run set to return this weekendRescue operation after man and dog fall through ice near MashamMan crushed by horse near Harrogate to recall ordeal on TV tonightYorkshire Air Ambulance to create new northern base near RiponHarrogate man whose fingers were severed by lawnmower on TV tonightKnaresborough tractor run raises £30,000Best garden at Harrogate Flower Show revealed

Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s garden has been crowned best in show at the Harrogate Flower Show 2024.

The charity’s Reflection and Remembrance Garden encompasses the service that the organisation provides, while providing tranquil space for those who have been affected by the work of the air ambulance to remember and reflect.

Designed by Kate Smithson, a York-based horticulturist, in collaboration with landscaper Nick Fryer and his team, the garden was awarded the prestigious accolade because judges felt it was ‘well scaled and in proportion… an excellent garden that followed the brief closely’.

Tessa Klemz, regional fundraising manager for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said:

“The garden has far exceeded our expectations and it’s been wonderful to have so much lovely feedback from the show visitors too who all love it as much as we do.

“Kate’s design captures exactly what we were looking for — to create a place of memories, tranquillity and peacefulness and we cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she’s put into the garden over many months.

“And also, to our landscaper Nick Fryer and his team who have taken Kate’s concept and built it to make it a reality – their craftsmanship on the project is outstanding.”

(Image: YAA)

The main feature of the garden is a yellow pergola, representing the blades and colour of the air ambulance helicopters, with the planting and central water feature celebrating the varied landscapes of Yorkshire.

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 Yorkshire Air Ambulance and to work with such a talented landscaper in Nick Fryer and his team.”

The garden will now move to its permanent home in Roundhay Park, near Leeds, where it is expected to be officially unveiled this year.

Designer Kate Smithson (Image: YAA)

Yorkshire Air Ambulance plans to utilise the garden for future fundraising and awareness too, allowing the public to leave lasting dedications to loved ones or as individuals who have used the service.

The garden was funded through charitable donations and sponsorship from organisations that include 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.

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Harrogate team take on coast-to-coast cycle on a quadtandem

Four people from the Harrogate district have set out on a coast-to-coast quadtandem challenge for charity.

Thebike ride along 170 mile Way Of The Roses began yesterday in Morecambe at 8am and is set to end tomorrow evening in Bridlington.

The team are raising money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Their target is £5,000 and will be split between the charities.

On the way the team have passed through Pateley Bridge and Ripon, they stayed in Applewick last night and will dismount in York tonight.

The quadtandem is handmade using parts from four scrap bikes that the team found on scrap piles and Facebook marketplace, which have been welded together. The creation took a few months to complete.

The team is made up of Pete Wyldbor, riding in first position, Tom Hardy, in second, Ed Yates in third and Paul Abbott at the rear.

The team on their 170 mile ride

The team have honoury members in the form of their substitute rider, Ian Lythe, who will take over third position tomorrow, and John Marshall, the team’s top supporter and is at the ready with spare parts.

The team are all from the district, with members from Harrogate, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge and Scotton.

The challenge began as an idea from Mr Wyldbor, 40, who crafted the four-person bike. He revealed the inspiration behind the challenge was the 2006 film ‘Beerfest’, in a scene where five people ride one bike.

Mr Wyldbor said:

“I just thought I’d make one, just for something to do and it all escalated from there. It is a mad idea so I thought it would be good to put it to use for worthwhile charities. If we were doing it for the sake of it that would be nuts.

“We all know someone, friends or family who have been touched by cancer in the past and you really never know when you might need an air ambulance.

“None of us are cyclists and the weather has been against us, we are tired and the hills have been horrific, I will be scrapping the bike when we are done, but we are keeping going for good causes.”

The team at Morcambe, the start of their challenge

To donate to the team’s fundraiser click here.

VIDEO AND GALLERY: Record breaking Knaresborough Tractor Run

Almost 400 vehicles tooted their way around the Harrogate district today in a record breaking Knaresborough Tractor Run.

The joyful atmosphere that greeted the 9am start at the Great Yorkshire Showground continued throughout the day as the tractors paraded their way to Pateley Bridge for lunch and then back to Knaresborough for the finish.

More than 390 tractors are believed to have taken part this year, each one raising money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. That would beat the previous record of 383 but the official figure has yet to be revealed.

Some travelled long distances to take part. They included Craig Romanis, of Crop Services (Scotland), who set off at 2.30am this morning from the Borders to take part in a tractor raising awareness of the charity founded by late Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir.

The event has raised more than £100,000 for the charity since it was first held over a decade ago. Volunteers carried out bucket collections along the route and you can also donate online here.

Below are some photos from today. All the drone images were supplied by Colin Corker. We will feature some more of his stunning drone footage tomorrow.