Women’s group flies to air ambulance’s aid

The Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association (YCA) has spent the past 10 months fundraising for local cause, with members from its 65 branches across the county taking part.

“The Yorkshire Air Ambulance has come to so many people’s rescue, we decided it was time for us to help them out too,” said Anita Taylor, the YCA’s county chairman.

“The members of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association are a versatile bunch and have really enjoyed coming up with new ideas to raise funds whilst enjoying each other’s company.

“Not only have we raised such a fantastic sum, but we have raised our membership number too with new ladies joining us every week after seeing how creative, crafty and community minded we are.”

The money was raised by more than 2,000 members at events such as garden parties, mad-hatter tea parties, wheelbarrow races and auctions.

Glenys Rowe, a member of the Forge Valley branch of the YCA, designed an air ambulance tapestry, from which she has raised more than £1,500 by selling stitches to complete it.

“I asked an artist friend to create an air ambulance design on a tapestry for me which I could sell stitches from,” said Glenys.

“It has been a huge success and I’ve taken it everywhere from the regional shows in Yorkshire, to the Goldwing Motorbike Light Parade in Scarborough.

“People are very interested in the tapestry, why we are doing it and it’s great to have a natter about it.”

Representatives from the YCA presented the cheque to Yorkshire Air Ambulance crew at their airbase, including Kevin Hutchinson, community fundraiser for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, paramedics Sammy Wills and Yorkshire Air Ambulance consultant Steve Rowe.

Kevin said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association for raising an incredible £18,382.54 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“The money raised will help tremendously towards the vital funding of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and help us continue saving lives across the region.”