A thank you to February’s Fundraising Heroes

Across the region, individuals, schools, clubs and communities came together to raise vital funds for our air ambulance service, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

Here’s a look at some of the incredible fundraising heroes who made February so special…

Convoy community spirit

Kerry and Colin from Cumbria Charity Convoy braved a very cold and windy morning at our Langwathby airbase to present us with an incredible £7,000 cheque, raised during their 2025 event.

With the majority of convoy participants coming from farming and transport backgrounds, they understand just how vital our helicopters are for rural Cumbria and they’re determined to help drive fundraising for our SOS Appeal this year!

Coffee mornings and craft fairs

A huge thank you goes to everyone at Cooil Roi Social Club in Laxey who raised £1,224 for our charity through a series of coffee mornings, raffles, and craft fairs.

Tractor run triumph

Our Volunteer Emma, from Berwick, joined by her grandson George attended a Berwick Rugby Match for a cheque presentation.

The donation represented our share of the funds raised at during December’s tractor run around Berwick and the surrounding areas. It’s always amazing to see communities come together in support of our service.

Little fundraisers, big hearts

Neville and Miles the Bear visited St Peter’s C of E Primary School in Wallsend for a heart-warming cheque presentation.

What started as a chance meeting with a Team Leader at a Christmas Market, led us to a stall at the school’s Christmas Fayre, before Neville went in to the school for a presentation with the children. They then decided they wanted to raise funds during their Volunteers Week. So, the children proudly hosted a bake sale and raised a fantastic £86.10!

Talent show triumph

Brad and Adam from 4EDEN visited our Langwathby base with a handmade cheque for £138.11, raised through a talent show organised by their Skills Team.

Creativity and teamwork at its finest, thank you to everyone involved!

Young Farmers, mighty impact

It was an honour to attend the Coquetdale YFC fundraising presentation evening at Netherton Village Hall.

Throughout 2025, the group raised an astonishing £19,005 through events including tug of war competitions, speed shears, quiz nights, rally days and a spectacular Christmas tractor run featuring more than 60 tractors.

Seven charities and good causes benefited, including RABI, Hospice Care, Breast Cancer, Maggies, Mountain Rescue and the new Coquetdale Care For You fund set up by the club, with an incredible £9,548.98 donated to GNAAS.

Kindling kindness

Yesterday we had the pleasure of hosting Mr David Lightburn along with his friends Dave, Carl and his Granddaughter Olivia. They have been chopping and selling Kindling over the winter and raised a fantastic £1000 for us. 👍😀💚🚁

David Lightburn, alongside friends Dave, Carl and granddaughter Olivia, joined us at base after spending the winter chopping and selling kindling.

Their hard work raised a fantastic £1,000 for our charity, an incredible effort that will make a huge difference.

Flowers, food, and fundraising

Woodlands Park Floral Art Club, who have chosen us as their Charity of the Year, welcomed us to their AGM evening.

After a pie and pea supper, followed by a selection of cakes and cream, they kindly presented us with their £50 charity cheque! Combined with generous donations and merchandise sales following a community talk, the evening raised over £300. A brilliant result and a lovely evening shared together.

A firefighter’s fitness challenge

Local firefighter Daniel Maddocks pushed himself to the limit by completing a Hyrox Challenge in full firefighting kit, including an oxygen tank.

Finishing in under two hours, Daniel has raised more than £1,600 for GNAAS and The Fire Fighters Charity. An incredible physical and fundraising achievement.

Full house for fundraising

Lex and Martin from Opera Bingo Carlisle hosted a charity night in October 2025, supported by one of their regular players, Jean, aged 90, who helped source prizes with her granddaughter. The fantastic evening raised £1,700!

A lifetime of giving back

We were delighted to welcome Eddie Mac and his friend Bob to our base after Eddie raised his funds for us. They came to check out the coffee house before we gave them a tour around the base.

With more than 46 years of fundraising behind him – supporting football clubs, purchasing specialist equipment for children, and helping community organisations – Eddie has now chosen to focus his efforts on GNAAS this year, and we’re honoured to have his support.

Charity of the Year celebrations

Volunteer Susan visited Brocksbushes Farm Shop for a special cheque presentation marking the end of their 2025 Charity of the Year partnership with us.

After supporting numerous events throughout the year, it was a fitting moment to say thank you for their incredible dedication.

Auction success

Barnard Castle Young Farmers’ Club raised an impressive £4,590 through a charity auction, demonstrating once again the amazing fundraising power of Young Farmers groups across our region.

Tractors and tinsel

Hopes Auction in Wigton raised £9,000 through their Tractor & Tinsel Run, with funds split between three charities, each receiving £3,000.

A fantastic community event combining festive fun with life-saving impact.

Valentine’s Day visit

On Valentines Day, we attended the AGM of the Westmorland Agricultural Society, where the outgoing President, Mrs Judith Buckley, presented the charity with a £2,500 cheque. We were her chosen charity at the President’s Family Fun Day in June.

Elvis evening entertainment

Mandy, Barry, and Stuart enjoyed a fantastic Elvis Tribute evening on the Isle of Man, where Jake certainly put the fun into fundraising during a lively bucket collection!

It was a brilliant night full of music, energy, and generosity – thank you to everyone who supported us.

Music, magic, and bucket collections

The team were also delighted to attend The Princess Show for another successful bucket collection.

A huge thank you to Sarah and everyone at D’May Entertainments for their continued support and for helping raise vital funds for our life-saving service.

Community lunches that care

Mandy also attended a Lent lunch at St George’s & All Saint’s Hall, where the dedicated organisers presented £500 raised through their community lunches over the last year.

Miniature magic for a big cause

We also visited the members of Cleveland Miniaturists UK for a cheque presentation this month.

They raised £600 for our life-saving service by running tombolas and also by raffling off two advent calendars full of dolls house miniatures whilst attending a Dolls House Fair at Pudsey near Leeds in November 2025. A great effort that will make a massive difference.

Thank you

Every event held, challenge completed, cake baked and mile travelled helps keep our helicopters flying and our crews ready when they’re needed most.

To everyone who fundraised, donated, volunteered, or supported us this February, thank you. Your kindness, generosity and community spirit continue to power our life-saving service every single day.