Yorkshire Air Ambulance Archives - Page 2 of 5

Time to get into gear for Knaresborough Tractor Run!

Hundreds of tractors will parade around Harrogate, Knaresborough and Pateley Bridge tomorrow for the annual Knaresborough Tractor Run.

The spectacle, watched each year by thousands of people, gets underway at the Great Yorkshire Showground at 9am tomorrow (Sunday, March 17).

Some 350 tractors will embark on a 25-mile route lined with spectators to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The event has raised more than £100,000 for the charity since it was first held over a decade ago.

The parade stops for a hog roast lunch in Pateley Bridge before winding its way back to Knaresborough.

The 2024 route

The estimated morning times are:

9am leave Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate

9am-9.15am Knaresborough

10am-10.15am Burton Leonard

10.30am Bishop Monkton

10.45am Markington

11.15am Sawley

11.30am Grantley

Noon Pateley Bridge

The showground departure

A £25,000 online fundraising target has been set. Tractor drivers pay £20 to enter (£25 on the day) and passengers are charged £10. Spectators are encouraged to make donations when the vehicles pass or give online here.

You can donate here. Beware of fake links which appeared online last year scamming people.

Last year’s event took the total amount raised for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to £113,341, earning the Knaresborough Tractor Run logo a place on the charity’s new helicopters.

Ripon tinsel tractor run raises £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research

The Nidderdale Charity Tinsel Tractor Run, which took place around Ripon last weekend, raised more than £1,500 for Yorkshire Cancer Research.

17 tinsel-covered tractors departed from F Tate & Sons Garden Centre.

In sub-zero degree temperatures, drivers followed a 21-mile route which passed through Bishop Monkton, Roecliffe, Boroughbridge and Skelton-on-Ure before returning to Ripon Market Place at around 6pm.

Simon Dickinson, who founded the tractor run, said he “couldn’t have wished for it to go any better”, adding:

“It was just absolutely fantastic.

“People were stood in the middle of nowhere to watch and cheer.

“I was really nervous in the morning, thinking ‘will my tractor get stuck’ but it was great.”

Entry cost £15 per tractor and donations were collected at different points along the route, including Morrisons in Ripon and Boroughbridge.

Caffè Nero, in Ripon, also stayed open late to serve the drivers free hot drinks upon their return.

Mr Dickinson, who is from Ripon but now lives in Northallerton, founded the Nidderdale Charity Tractor Run last year.

It attracted more than 55 vehicles and raised more than £2,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance service in June this year.

Mr Dickinson, who is a member of the West Yorkshire Vintage Tractor & Engine Club, told the Stray Ferret he chose to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research this time after his brother-in-law had bladder cancer.

“Luckily, he’s in remission now, but so many of my customers have prostate cancer too.

“It’s just everywhere.”

Mr Dickinson said the event was a great success and he will “definitely do it again” next year.

Air ambulance rescues horse rider in Bishop Thornton

Air ambulance and mountain rescuers came to the aid of a woman who fell off a horse in Bishop Thornton.

Volunteers from Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association were called to the village, which is between Harrogate and Ripon, early on Friday evening.

According to its incident report. Yorkshire Air Ambulance was also on the scene and providing care.

Its report added:

“Once stable, the team assisted in lifting the rider on to a stretcher and in to an ambulance for onward travel to hospital.”

No further details, including the extent of the injuries, were provided.

Masham cricketer’s air ambulance rescue to feature on TV tonight

An air ambulance rescue of a Masham cricketer who snapped his ankle while playing is set to feature on a television series tonight.

Brendan Jackson, 15, was playing for Masham Cricket Club’s second team in April this year when he was injured.

During a match at Walton Park Cricket Club near Wetherby, Brendan caught his studs in the crease while bowling his third over. He dislocated his ankle and fractured both bones in his lower leg.

A helicopter from Yorkshire Air Ambulance was dispatched from Topcliffe Air Base in Thirsk to complete the 20-mile journey to the club.

Upon arrival, paramedics administered gas and air to alleviate Brendan’s pain.

Brendan described the crew who arrived on scene as “superheroes”. He said:

“I remember my first reaction vividly; it was a mix of shock and fear. I just looked down, and all I could think was, ‘Oh my word, what has happened, and will I ever be able to play cricket again?’ It was a terrifying moment for me.

“When the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team showed up, it was a massive relief. They were like superheroes, and I’m so grateful for how they were able to take away some of my pain. I can’t thank them enough for being there.”

A still from Helicopter ER, which features Brendan’s rescue.

Brendan was also given Ketamine medication to help relieve the pain, but also give a dissociative effect and help him cope with the traumatic experience.

After his leg was put in a splint, he was transferred to Harrogate District Hospital for surgery.

Diane Sharp, Brendan’s mother, said she remembered the incident as a “traumatic day”. She said:

“I didn’t see his leg initially; I just thought he had tripped. But once I heard him shouting in agony, I knew I had to rush over and keep him as calm as possible until more help arrived.”

The rescue by Yorkshire Air Ambulance is set to feature on an episode of television series Helicopter ER tonight.

The new series will be broadcast on Quest at 9pm.

Charities benefit from Ripon Old Car Classic Gathering

Ripon Old Car Classic Gathering (ROCCG) has been back in gear raising much-needed funds for nine charities.

The principal beneficiary from the 2023 gathering at the city’s racecourse was Alzheimer’s Research, which received £5,000 from funds raised through entry fees.to the event, where a total of 700 classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and tractors were on display.

ROCCG chair Phill Greetham told the Stray Ferret:

“Our 28th annual gathering was held in late July and proved a great success. Over the years we have raised more than £200,000 for a broad range of charities.”

Some of the classic vehicles that were on display at Ripon Racecourse. Picture: Gary and Liz Smith Photography

He added:

“Profits from the event are shared between local groups and other good causes and each year our committee donates a large amount to one chosen charity, while smaller donations are made to a number of other deserving causes.”

In addition to Alzheimer’s Research, the other beneficiaries which received £150 apiece were: Guide Dogs, Vision Support, RNLI, Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Macmillan Cancer Support, Saint Michael’s Hospice, Dementia Forward and Fighting Ependymona.

The cheque presentation evening was held last week at Hazel House in Allhallowgate and each recipient gave a short talk on how the money would be spent by their respective organisation.

Ripon boys aged 6 and 8 climb Ben Nevis for air ambulance

Two young brothers from Ripon have climbed the highest mountain in the UK to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tommy and Sid Terry tackled Ben Nevis this month with their father, Stewart — raising £1,100 in total.

According to grandmother, Dianne, the boys initially chose to climb the mountain as they ‘wanted a challenge’, but their mother decided to set up a charity fundraiser while they were climbing.

The boys’ mother, Emma, set up a donation post on Facebook to raise money for the air ambulance.

It was chosen following a collision at Fountains C of E Primary school, where a classmate of the boys was airlifted to hospital in June this year.

The six-year-old suffered serious leg injuries in the incident.

Dianne said:

“I know a lot of people climb Ben Nevis, but not many six and eight-year-olds can say they have.

“Our goal was to raise £1,000 and we’ve done over that – we’re so proud of them.”

The trio completed the hike in nine hours and were cheered on by groups at the summit.

The brothers were invited to RAF Topcliffe, where the air ambulance in based, last Saturday to look at the helicopters in return for their efforts.

Dianne said:

“The pilot who airlifted their friend after the collision actually came to RAF Topcliffe on his day off to personally speak to the boys and show them the inside of the helicopter.

“The air ambulance was then called out, so also they also got to see it take off.”

The child involved in the collision also joined the Terry brothers at RAF Topcliffe.

Harrogate tennis friends begin 24-hour challenge

Harrogate friends Liz Hickling and Jon Hipkin will begin a 24-hour tennis and padel challenge today to raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Harrogate Spa Tennis Club.

Liz and Jon will play alternating hours of tennis and padel and have asked fellow tennis club members and non-members to join them for hour-long matches.

They were due to begin their marathon at Harrogate Spa Tennis Club at Claro Park at midday and finish at the same time tomorrow.

They will have breaks for the first 10 minutes of each session.

The pair set out to raise £1,000 for their chosen causes and have already had £1,300 pledged.

Liz said:

“At 3am on Sunday morning, the thought that we still have nine hours to go will be tough but knowing we can make just a little difference to people’s lives by raising money through this challenge will help inspire us to keep going.”

Harrogate Spa Town Tennis Club has recently undergone renovations, opening two new padel courts as well as a new clubhouse, café and bar.

The air ambulance provides emergency response services for over five million people across Yorkshire.

Liz said:

“We wanted to raise awareness of the club and its new facilities as well as raise some money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. We chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance as it is a service that any of us could need at any time.”

If you are interested in supporting Jon and Liz, they have a Just Giving page.

Woman seriously injured in Masham tractor accident becomes fundraiser for rescuers

A woman seriously injured in a tractor accident near Masham has become a fundraiser for the air ambulance charity that came to her rescue.

Michelle Raine suffered a broken pelvis and serious spinal injuries when a tractor she was a passenger in rolled down a hill in August 2017.

Yorkshire Air Ambulance provided her with critical emergency medical care, pain relief and airlifted her to Leeds General Infirmary.

Ms Raine underwent emergency surgery to stabilise her pelvis and during her two-week hospital stay she also battled pneumonia, which resulted in the collapse of her lungs.

She then spent two months in a wheelchair but eventually made a full recovery.

Ms Raine, whose rescue was broadcast on the TV programme Helicopter ER, has now become a community fundraiser for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

She said:

“Their swift response and expert care during my accident were nothing short of miraculous.

“Now, as part of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance family, I cherish the opportunity to give back and make a positive impact on the lives of others, just like they did for me.”

Ms Raine’s passion for the cause has been evident a long time already: one year after her accident she organised a fundraising ball that raised £15,000 for the charity.

Regional fundraising manager Linda Stead said:

“Michelle is an invaluable asset to our fundraising team. Her firsthand experience as an ex-patient allows her to connect with donors and supporters on a deeper level, inspiring them with her remarkable journey and gratitude.”

Business Breakfast: Johnsons of Whixley supplies thousands of plants to luxury hotel

Johnsons of Whixley has secured a contract to supply five thousand plants to a five-star luxury spa hotel in County Durham.

The horticultural business supplied a range of shrubs and trees to Seaham Hall Hotel, for planting around its bungalow lodges, spa area and hotel terrace.

Johnsons of Whixley worked with garden designer Richard Porter of Garden Vision Ltd.

Founded over 100 years ago, Johnsons is a three-generation family business. Previous hotel projects include Grantley Hall in Ripon.

Seaham Hall Hotel was converted into a luxury hotel in 2012.

Johnsons’ marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson, said:

“We are thrilled to work with the Seaham Hall Hotel team as their ambitious development plans get underway, in collaboration with our customer Richard from Garden Vision Durham, who delivered the design, hard and soft landscaping of the project.”

A team from Berwins solicitors in Harrogate spent yesterday cycling in the centre of town to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

8 staff members of the legal firm- ranging from a director to team assistant- peddled in a fundraiser entitled “Go The Distance”.

The 85km static cycle was taken in stages by two team members at a time – cycling a theoretical journey from the YAA’s Air Support Unit at Nostell near Wakefield to the Berwins’ offices in Leeds, Harrogate and York before ending at RAF Topcliffe.

The air ambulance is Berwins’ chosen charity for 2023.

The Berwins team peddling away for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance

GALLERY: Conservation, cheese and cattle take centre stage at Great Yorkshire Show

This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID

Successes in agriculture and champion cattle, cheese, pigeons and forestry were recognised on day two of the Great Yorkshire Show.

Spectators were treated to the stunt riding of Lorenzo in the main ring and Adam Henson’s chat show returned to the GYS stage.

The day also saw the supreme pigeon award presented to a Chinese Owl from Huworth.

The third national cattle championship at the show, the British Charolais, went to a two-year-old heifer, Marne Sweetpea, owned by Robert Tremayne and Nicola Osgood of Kent.

Day two also saw the inaugural farmland curlew award developed by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and Nidderdale AONB to reward famers who make a significant contribution to curlew conservation — won by two Cumbrian beef and sheep farmers.

Future Farmers also had their flagship annual get-together and held a panel-led discussion.

York Community Woodland, owned by City of York Council and tenanted by Forestry England, took home the John Broddy trophy for the best new woodland in Yorkshire awarded by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, Royal Forestry Society and Forestry Commission.

Tickets for the show have now sold out and will not be available on the gate. The opening times are 8am to 6pm on all four days. To see what is happening on which day, visit here.

Take a look at the gallery below to catch up on today’s highlights.