Vertu has shown its support for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, raising more than £1,700 for the charity during its annual Land Rover Fleet & Business Golf Day.
The event, held at Headingley Golf Club in Leeds, saw more than 80 players compete on the course and raise money for the charity – with guest speaker Nick Parkes sharing his experience of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s work from a patient’s perspective.
Competitive open-water swimmer Nick was taking part in an event in 2023 when he went into cardiac arrest in the water. Pulled unresponsive from a lake, Nick was given CPR before being accompanied to hospital in Sheffield by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team, where he spent two days in a coma before undergoing a double heart bypass.
To help repay the charity that saved his life, Nick will take on the challenge of swimming the full length of Loch Ness – a distance of more than 20 miles – to raise funds.
Paul Bamford, fleet & business director for Vertu Jaguar Land Rover, said: “It was great to welcome new and existing clients down for a day on the course, and to support a very important local charity. With the charity receiving no government funding, every donation on a day like today makes a difference.
“It was also fantastic to have Nick with us to share his story. Hearing first-hand how the Yorkshire Air Ambulance saved his life showed why it is so important to support the charity so it can continue helping other people.”
Nick added: “The Yorkshire Air Ambulance means so much to me because of the vital work it does. Had they not been there to treat me on the day of my cardiac arrest, then I wouldn’t be here today.
“The fact that a major automotive retailer like Vertu is supporting the air ambulance through an event like this shows a real commitment to the charity, and will help ensure it can continue supporting the public in the future.”
Abby Barmby, director of marketing & communications for Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are so grateful to Vertu for supporting us through its golf day. Support like this is hugely important in helping YAA spread the message that we are an independent charity. It allows us to build connections with people and raise awareness, and helps to generate the vital funds that we require to do our work.”
