We love summer for so many reasons, but mainly because fundraising ramps up and our incredible supporters shine brightest, turning creativity into action to raise vital funds for our cause.
From tea parties to cycling challenges to classic car washes, our community pulled out all the stops this month.
There was no shortage of brilliant ideas to raise a pound (or two!), and we were blown away by the effort. Ready for a recap? Let’s dive in…
Jack’s Pyrenees adventure
Meet Jack. You might not guess it now, but a few years ago, Jack was in urgent need of our help after being knocked off his bike in a hit-and-run.
We were there to treat him before he made it to hospital – and thankfully, he went on to make a full recovery.
Since then, Jack has gone above and beyond to give back, raising thousands of pounds for our service by doing what he loves most: cycling.
His latest challenge took him all the way to San Sebastian, where he tackled a mammoth 560-mile ride over the course of a week.
Thanks to this ride alone, Jack raised well over £1,000, and then finally took a well-deserved holiday to recover.
There’s beauty in everything
Last month, we had the pleasure of welcoming the wonderful Lauren Fox, owner of Lauren Fox Beauty Company, to our base, after she raised over £2,000 by hosting a Brew with the Crew in our honour.
Lauren’s motivation to support our service comes from a deeply personal place. Last year, we responded to an incident involving her father. Although he made it to hospital, he sadly passed away – but thanks to our swift response, his loved ones had the chance to say goodbye, something Lauren is incredibly grateful for.
We’re truly thankful for her generosity and support. The incredible amount raised through her coffee morning is testament to how much her dad meant to those around him.
Keyring canine
It’s no secret that we’re dog mad here at GNAAS – a visit to our HQ usually means being greeted by a wagging tail or two. So, when we heard about Daisy, we just had to meet her.
Daisy, alongside her owner Sophie, has been raising funds for us by selling handmade keyrings – all while balancing her day job as a community superstar. From reading with schoolchildren to visiting patients in hospital, Daisy brings smiles wherever she goes.
She’s even been nominated for an award, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient. A four-legged legend with a heart of gold, and we’re so thankful for her support.
Three Peaks madness
The wonderful team at TSG recently visited our airbase to celebrate raising an incredible £3,302 after conquering the Three Peaks Challenge back in May.
Battling blisters, sore legs, and more than a few pulled muscles, they tackled each hill with determination and pride – all in support of our charity. And their efforts definitely paid off!
We’re so grateful for their efforts that day… though we can’t help but wonder – should we suggest an even bigger challenge next time?
Ticket to success
Raffles might seem like a simple way to raise funds… they often get overlooked for flashier events – but they can pack a serious fundraising punch.
That’s exactly what the Cumbria North Trefoil Guild proved this year. With a series of raffles, they raised an impressive £500 for our charity – showing that sometimes, the simplest ideas really do work the best.
Bike enthusiast, Paul
Bike enthusiast Paul Smyth and a group of friends and colleagues from the Isle of Man recently hit the road, raising £120 in support of GNAAS during their charity ride-out.
Thanks to generous match funding from their employer, Swagelok, that total was doubled to £240 – a fantastic boost to help maintain our service on the Isle.
Running enthusiast, Paul
Three marathons, two half marathons, and a 10k – we’re exhausted just thinking about it! But that’s exactly what Paul Thorburn accomplished in support of our charity.
Paul took on these mammoth distances in memory of a dear friend, who sadly passed away following an incident we responded to.
We’re so grateful for his dedication and for honouring his friend in such a meaningful way.
Viqueens of the Waves
All hail the Viqueens! At the end of June, the incredible ladies’ team made waves – quite literally – by winning the World Viking Longboat Races, securing the title of World Champions.
Even more impressively, they chose to support us as their nominated charity, raising a very respectful £600 in the process.
We’re beyond proud to have been part of their journey. A huge thank you to the Viqueens for your strength, spirit, and support – both on the water and off it.
Making a splash
It was a real pleasure to show Tracy Cook and her family around our Langwathby base after she took on the Great North Swim.
Braving the icy waters of Cumbria, Tracy took on the challenge with determination, and raised an amazing £2,000 for GNAAS in the process. Not bad, not bad at all!
She arrived for her visit proudly wearing her hard-earned medal, and rightly so – we hope she wears it with pride for at least the rest of the year.
One lot of cold water to another
Who knew that tossing an ice-cold bucket of water over your head could be so much fun… and raise life-saving funds at the same time?
The students at Longtown Primary School took on the challenge with plenty of laughs, all while raising an impressive £362 for our cause.
The best kind of surprise
We were thrilled when members of the Appleby Rotary Club Committee crossed paths with our team during an event.
It was wonderful to catch up with them, but the day became even more special when they presented us with a jaw-dropping £5,000 cheque.
Raised from parking fees at this year’s Appleby Show, this generous donation truly made our day, and will make a difference to the work we do.
Heart and hustle
We want to extend a huge thank you to Rosie, her fantastic team, and all the wonderful customers at The Sulby Glen Hotel for their incredible support.
Through their recent events, they have raised an impressive £670, a generous contribution that will directly help us continue our life-saving work on the Isle of Man.
Without the generous support of the Isle of Man community, we wouldn’t be able to expand our life-saving service beyond our shores.
Working at the car wash
The talented apprentices at Gen2 Engineering recently rolled up their sleeves and got to work washing cars – all to raise a quid or two for us.
Their car wash event raised an impressive £478, a fantastic contribution that will go directly toward helping us continue our vital work.
It’s been a busy one! But we think it’s super important to honour each and every person who has gone out of their way to put us on their agenda.
It’s set to be an even busier next month too… and we can’t wait.
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