John Kenyon, from Stockton-on-Tees, has entered GNAAS’ raffle and played their lottery since 2015, and was left in disbelief when he was told he was a winner.

Dr Natalie Lonsdale, who works at GNAAS as part of the charity’s critical care team, had the pleasure of calling John and delivering the good news.

Recalling the phone call, which was shared on the charity’s social media, John said: “I didn’t believe it at first because these things don’t normally happen. I was listening to this voice who sounded really pleased, and the more she talked the more I thought this could be real, this is fantastic.”

John has seen firsthand the difference an air ambulance can make after seeing them respond to road traffic collisions while travelling.

He said: “I do lots of driving and you come across people who have been involved in awful accidents, and you see the helicopter come down and they do a wonderful job.”

Rather than taking the holiday himself, John decided to gift the two-bedroom Barbados apartment stay to his children.

His son, Andy Kenyon said, “He sent me the video announcing him as the winner and I initially thought he was joking. Then I rang him and offered my congratulations, and he told me that myself and my sister could have the holiday.”

Andy and his wife have booked to visit Barbados in January next year and are hoping his brother-in-law and sister, who works as a nurse at James Cook University Hospital, will be able to get the time off work to join them.

John said: “It pleases me as their dad that they both may be able to take advantage of this prize and go together.”

Andy has already made a list of things to do while he’s there including snorkelling, golf, a historical tour and visiting some of the restaurants on the island.

Reflecting on the win, both father and son were keen to highlight the importance of supporting GNAAS.

“You never know when you might need them,” John said, “It’s wonderful to know there’s a service available like that. It’s nice being able to give so other people can be saved.”

Andy added, “If anyone sees the helicopter flying or hears about it on the news, just remember that it relies solely on donations to run. It’s important that people support it.”

In total, 2025’s raffle raised £73,656 for the charity and GNAAS will be announcing the launch of their summer raffle later this year.