Fundraiser's £50k efforts rewarded by High Sheriff

Ken Horner, 84, from Follifoot, has been giving his time to the charity for over 15 years, during which time he has raised over £50,000.

The retired joiner and wheelwright’s dedication and fundraising efforts were recognised by the charity and the High Sheriff John Furness, at a presentation at the YAA’s Northern Airbase at RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk last week when he was presented with an award, along with a cheque for £250 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and £100 for himself.

The High Sheriff said: “I have known Ken for a number of years, whether at Point to Points or Horse Shows, selling his country items and walking sticks but had never realised what a huge amount that he had raised over the years for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

“I am delighted to give him a High Sheriff Award in recognition of the great and valuable services to the community.

“I still have a Shepherd’s Crook that I bought from Ken some considerable time ago. It is a faithful companion when out walking in the countryside.”

Ken has raised money over the years by different farming related fundraising initiatives. The majority has been from the hand-made walking sticks and Shepherds crooks he carves himself using materials he collects. He also hosts an annual fundraising dinner each October and has been involved with farming auctions over the years also.

Ken said: “I have known the High Sheriff for many years through the local agricultural community. I thought I had been invited to Topcliffe to see the new helicopter so I was totally surprised and overwhelmed when John presented me with my award.

“I love helping the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and don’t do it for the credit. I do it knowing that I am helping others who might need the services of the helicopter and its crew.

“It was a brilliant day and I was so pleased with my award. It means so much to me.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent charity providing a life-saving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across the whole of Yorkshire.

The service is operational seven days a week, 365 days a year and needs to raise £12,000 every day. The Charity currently attend over 1,000 missions a year, an average of three incidents every single day.

They have recently taken delivery of two brand new state-of-the-art Airbus H145 helicopters to enhance the service they provide to the people of Yorkshire.

To become a volunteer for Yorkshire Air Ambulance contact Lin Stead on 07768175727 or email [email protected]