A volunteer who has raised over £100k for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance has been shortlisted as a regional finalist for the ITV North ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award at the prestigious Pride of Britain Awards.

Jan Swallow, of Honley, has raised money for the charity since 2009, two years after her son Graham died in a motorbike accident on the Snake Pass.

The ITV ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ award celebrates individuals who have gone above and beyond in their charity efforts.

The Pride of Britain Awards honour everyday heroes whose actions inspire and uplift. For Jan, this recognition highlights not only her dedication to fundraising but also the lasting impact her efforts have had on Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Graham hit a road sign, causing him to fall into a steep ravine, with his motorbike suspended from a tree above. He was rescued and airlifted to hospital by the air ambulance but died at Sheffield Northern General Hospital.

In the wake of this devastating loss, Jan turned her grief into action, committing herself to raising vital funds for the charity that gave her son the best chance of survival.

Using her creative talents, Jan and her team of knitters craft handmade knitted bears and other unique embroidered items to sell. These quirky and often cheeky designs have earned a loyal following, with 100% of proceeds from their sales going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

 

 

Earlier this year, at the Ravensknowle Children’s Gala, Jan reached the significant milestone of £100,069 raised for the charity.

She said: “I am truly humbled by this recognition. When I first started fundraising, I never imagined it would grow into something so significant. Now, it’s become such a meaningful part of my life.

“For me, it’s not just about raising money, it’s about giving back to Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a charity that has touched my life so deeply and continues to help so many others in their time of need.”

Helen Berriman, interim regional fundraising manager for West & South Yorkshire, said: “Jan’s Pride of Britain nomination is so well-deserved and we couldn’t be prouder of everything she’s achieved. Jan has been, and continues to be, an inspiration to us all.”

For more information about Yorkshire Air Ambulance and how you can support the life-saving work of the charity, please visit www.yaa.org.uk.