Yorkshire Air Ambulance Celebrates 471 Years of Collective Volunteer Service at Nostell Air Base

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) has honoured the incredible dedication of its volunteers, acknowledging a cumulative 471 years of service at a recent Long Service Awards ceremony held at the charity’s Nostell Air Base in Wakefield. This special event served as a testament to the unwavering commitment of 110 volunteers who have consistently supported the charity's critical life-saving operations across the Yorkshire region.

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Recognising years of dedication

The ceremony highlighted the long-term dedication of volunteers who have been integral to YAA's mission, with awards presented to individuals marking five, 10, and 15 years of service. These volunteers play an essential role in the charity, which relies heavily on the generosity of the public and its volunteer force to continue its operations.

Thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for Calderdale, in partnership with the Pennine Riding Club, 110 volunteers were awarded pin badges alongside other essential volunteering equipment, amounting to a total investment of £5,000. These items serve not only as a token of appreciation but also as a practical resource for volunteers who assist in a variety of capacities.

The impact of volunteerism at YAA

With a dedicated team of 165 active volunteers, YAA’s reach extends far beyond emergency response. Volunteers are the charity’s ambassadors within local communities, helping to spread awareness about the crucial services YAA provides. Last year alone, volunteers participated in over 728 community stalls, conducted 72 educational talks, hosted 75 bucket collections, and managed more than 1,500 collection tins. Their efforts also supported key projects and events throughout the year, demonstrating the wide-ranging impact of their contributions.

The event at Nostell Air Base provided an opportunity for volunteers and staff to connect and celebrate their shared commitment to the charity’s mission. Light refreshments, including cake donated by Premier Foods, YAA's Charity of the Year, added to the occasion’s convivial atmosphere.

A tribute to volunteers' unyielding support

During the ceremony, YAA Chairman Mike Harrop delivered an emotional speech, underlining the pivotal role that volunteers play in the charity’s success. He expressed heartfelt thanks to each volunteer, acknowledging that their contributions are the backbone of the services YAA provides. Harrop personally presented the pin badges as a symbol of the charity’s deep appreciation.

"Your support is the cornerstone of the service we provide," Harrop stated. "Your commitment has not only helped us to save lives but has also significantly contributed to ensuring our service can continue in the future, to help those in need when they need us most."

He also highlighted the staggering financial impact of their voluntary efforts, estimating that volunteers have saved the charity over £10 million in salary costs and man-hours over the years. This financial relief has enabled YAA to allocate more resources towards maintaining its fleet of helicopters and ensuring rapid response capabilities across Yorkshire.

Diverse motivations, unified purpose

Volunteers at YAA come from varied backgrounds, with motivations ranging from personal fulfilment to career development. Some are retirees with time to spare, while others are former patients who want to give back to the service that once came to their aid. Despite these diverse reasons, all volunteers share a common goal: the desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others when it matters most.

YAA, an independent charity that receives no government funding, relies entirely on public donations to keep its helicopters operational. Serving a population of 5 million people across 3 million acres, the charity's work is vital, and its volunteers are essential in ensuring it can continue its life-saving missions.

For those inspired by the dedication of YAA’s volunteers and interested in contributing their time, the charity encourages potential volunteers to complete their online Volunteer Application Form. The YAA team will then reach out to discuss opportunities to get involved.