The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has welcomed a sports personality as a charity ambassador
British Jockey Emma Smith-Chaston, originally from Lancashire, now based at Middleham, North Yorkshire, has said she is delighted to support a charity that is so close to her heart and is looking forward to seeing what can be achieved when working together with the organisation.
The 24-year-old said: “I have been riding since I can remember, my whole life has been around horses thanks to my mum and I kind of just fell into horse racing from that.
“I didn’t really ever want to do anything else other than work with horses and just sort of got a job when I was a teenager and then it all just continued.”
Miss Smith-Chaston, who has had an incredible 43 wins already in her career, currently trains under Micky Hammond.
Miss Smith-Chaston said: “The Great North Air Ambulance Service is very close to my heart as I live in a very rural area. The nearest trauma hospital to me is about an hour away so if we do have any kind of emergency, I will more than likely need the air ambulance.
“It’s also fair to say the job I do is pretty dangerous.” 
The partnership between GNAAS and Miss Smith-Chaston will help raise much-needed funds and awareness for the charity that must raise approximately £8 million per year to remain operational. Emma will be helping to spread awareness of the cause by wearing the charity’s logo on her jockey silks and has also rallied the support of her agency, Integral Sports Management, who kindly donated a prize for the charity ball raising over £2,000 in the auction on the night.
Miss Smith-Chaston said: “I am planning on running the Leeds 10k and half marathon with my friend Tash in support of GNAAS.
“Fingers crossed we can actually manage it but that’s how I am planning to start out my fundraising and can’t wait to get started.”
She added: “As an ambassador of such an amazing charity, I want to just raise as much money and awareness as I can, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Ashleigh Chapman, Head of Income and Engagement at GNAAS, said: “It’s great to have Emma’s support and to welcome her onboard officially as a charity ambassador. We are grateful Emma recognises the importance of our service and its impact on our communities, and her support has already helped to raise vital funds!”
GNAAS does not receive government funding and is dependent on donations to survive. To donate or find out more about the charity visit www.gnaas.com
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