Yorkshire Air Ambulance Fundraising Ball A Huge Success In Leeds

Ever wondered what keeps those bright yellow helicopters in the sky over Yorkshire? It’s not magic, but it does take a massive amount of support and money. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is a charity that saves lives every single day, and it relies on people’s generosity.

To celebrate a huge milestone, the team decided to throw a party with a purpose. In November 2025, they held their first-ever fundraising ball, and it turned out to be a brilliant success, raising a staggering amount to help keep those vital services running. This wasn’t just any party; it was a proper celebration of Yorkshire grit and community spirit.

A reyt good do for a big anniversary

Twenty-five years is a long time for any organisation, especially one that depends entirely on donations. To mark its 25th anniversary, the Nostell-based Yorkshire Air Ambulance team wanted to do something special. So they came up with the “A Reyt Good Do – Flat Cap and Feathers Ball”.

The event took place at Aspire, a grand venue in Leeds, which was packed with more than 250 guests all ready for a night of fun and fundraising. It was more than just a party; it was a celebration of a quarter-century of life-saving missions and a chance to thank everyone who has supported the charity over the years. The atmosphere was buzzing, a real testament to the community’s love for this incredible service.

Famous faces and an exciting auction

A proper Yorkshire do wouldn’t be complete without a few famous faces. Guests were joined by the charity’s patron, legendary cricketer Sir Geoffrey Boycott.

But the star of the fundraising show was Derek Mathewson. If the name rings a bell, it’s because he’s one of the stars of the documentary series “Bangers and Cash”. Instead of valuing classic cars, Derek took charge of the auction, and he did a cracking job.

The lively auction saw guests bidding generously on exclusive items and experiences. With bids flying back and forth, Derek’s expert timing and crowd skills made it one of the highlights of the night, contributing massively to the final fundraising total.

What does over £52,000 actually mean?

After the fun, food, and frantic bidding, the grand total was announced: an incredible £52,649.

But what does that amount really mean for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance? Keeping two advanced helicopters in the air is extremely costly. This income could help fund:

• Fuel for dozens of life-saving missions
• Essential maintenance to keep the aircraft safe and flight-ready
• Advanced medical equipment for on-board paramedics
• Specialist training for pilots and medical crews

Every penny of that total goes directly toward saving lives. It’s not just a number; it could be the difference between life and death for someone on a remote moor or at the scene of a serious accident. This first fundraising ball didn’t just celebrate 25 years of incredible work; it helped secure the future of the service for years to come.

The power of community and a bit of Yorkshire flair

This event shows what can happen when a community comes together. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance feels like it belongs to everyone in the county, and the “Flat Cap and Feathers Ball” captured that perfectly, blending glamour with proper Yorkshire charm.

From Sir Geoffrey Boycott to Derek Mathewson, everyone played their part. But the real heroes were the 250 guests who showed up, had a fantastic night, and gave so generously.

The huge success of this first-ever fundraising ball proves the future of the charity’s helicopters is in safe hands. It was a proper celebration, and the amazing total raised is proof of just how much Yorkshire values this vital service.