Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is elated to announce a significant milestone achieved by The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, as they surpass £500,000 in donations to support the vital work of the emergency response charity.
The momentous occasion was marked with a presentation to the Trust by YAA Chairman, Mike Harrop, who presented the Trustees of The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, including Derek Noble (Chair), James Lumb, David Swallow, Andrew Dickins, and the trust’s Administrator, Margaret Culley, with a framed certificate and a special cake featuring an Ayrshire cow in honour of Jack Brunton’s roots as an Ayrshire Cattle farmer.
Established in 1986 by the late local farmer and landowner, Jack Brunton, The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust was created with the primary aim of benefitting the population of rural villages and towns within the boundary of the Old North Riding of Yorkshire, which existed before the 1974 boundary changes.
The partnership between The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust and Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been one of unwavering commitment, compassion, and community spirit. Their first contribution, a £16,000 donation towards a snow plough at for use at the YAA’s Topcliffe Airbase in 2012, marked the beginning of a longstanding relationship that has positively impacted countless lives.
Over the years, the trust has been a staunch supporter of the YAA, making essential contributions towards enhancing the air ambulance’s capabilities and ensuring its continued operation. Their generous donations have been instrumental in funding various crucial helicopter support equipment for the Topcliffe airbase, as well as contributing towards other operational advancements.
Most recently, The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust played a significant role in funding eight Technical Crew Member flight helmets, which proudly feature their logo on the back. They also provided £20,000 towards a new stretcher system and have continuously supported the YAA for core operational costs, enabling the Yorkshire Air Ambulance to offer life-saving services to those in dire need.
Recognising the exceptional dedication of The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, Yorkshire Air Ambulance bestowed the Trust, the prestigious ‘Grants and Trusts’ YAA Recognition Award in October 2017 and 2022. Furthermore, as a gesture of gratitude for their steadfast support, the YAA has proudly adorned their fleet of helicopters with the trust’s logo since 2018.
Speaking of the partnership, Derek Noble, Chairman of The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust said:
“We are immensely proud to reach this remarkable milestone of £500,000 in donations to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Our trust has always been committed to making a difference in the lives of those in need, and we are honoured to support the exceptional work of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in saving lives and serving our region. We look forward to continuing our partnership and making a positive impact together.”
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance and The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust stand united in their mission to save lives and serve their communities. Their shared commitment to making a difference continues to inspire and bring hope to countless lives across the region.
Mike Harrop, Chairman of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, expressed his gratitude said:
“The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust is an incredible partner and a driving force behind our ability to deliver life-saving care to those in urgent need. Their unwavering commitment and generosity have had a profound impact on our charity, and we are humbled to have their continued support. This milestone of £500,000 in donations is a testament to the trust’s dedication to our mission and the communities we serve. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and life-saving efforts together.”
The YAA currently operates a fleet of Airbus H145 Helicopters, an upgraded 5 blade helicopter and the first of its kind to come of the production line and into the UK. The service is operational 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Trauma patients are transferred to the nearest major trauma centre, flying at speeds of up to 160 mph. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedics and doctors are seconded from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
As an independent charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on volunteers and their fundraising efforts to continue its lifesaving work. It currently costs £19,000 per day to maintain and operate the YAA’s two Airbus H145 Helicopters. 90% of Yorkshire live within a 20-minute flying time from either of the YAA’s two airbases. The Yorkshire Air Ambulance are stars of the Warner Brothers Discovery Channel’s series ‘Helicopter ER’ which is broadcast on Channel Quest.
For more information about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust, please visit www.yaa.org.uk and www.jbct.org.uk
