Donations add up for air ambulance

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Members of the Leeds District Oddfellows have donated £200 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance after learning how the charity needs £19,000 a day to keep its two helicopters in service.

A lifesaving service

Yorkshire Air Ambulance volunteer Mike Bevington (left) receiving the cheque for £200

Air ambulance volunteers, Mike and Cathy Bevington, were invited by the friendship group to give a talk and receive the cheque at its monthly meet-up in Knaresborough on 14 February.

During the presentation, Mike explained how the rapid-response service is provided to five million people across the whole of Yorkshire, and shared how donations are vital in keeping the charity in operation.

He said: “We are truly grateful for every donation we receive, no matter how big or how small.

“As a charity with strong fundraising ethics, last year we ensured that for every £1 that was donated, 78p of it was spent to meet our charitable purpose – which is saving lives across Yorkshire.”

We are delighted to be able to help the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Helen Bullock, Social Coordinator

The members raised the £200 by holding raffles at their monthly Knaresborough meet-up, which is held at 2pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Gracious Street Methodist Church.

Helen Bullock, Social Coordinator at Leeds District Oddfellows, said: “We are delighted to be able to help the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. I’m sure most people know someone who has been helped by this charity’s lifesaving work.”

Lots going on

Helen added: “I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more about our friendship group activities to get in touch and come along to see what we’re all about. A warm welcome is guaranteed.”

If you'd like to find out more about Leeds District Oddfellows, its fundraising activities and many other events, Helen can be reached via email on helen.bullock@oddfellows.co.uk or by calling 07709 295 317.

Nationwide friendship and support

The Oddfellows has 99 branches across the country. You can find you nearest by using our Branch Finder, or you can discover events happening close to you by visiting our Events Finder.

Oddfellows friendship groups regularly raise money for worthy causes and the Society has a number of funds which aim improve lives. Learn more about what’s being done by visiting our Giving Back page.