Kendal mechanic's decade of volunteering at air ambulance

James Howarth first started supporting GNAAS by donating money and clothing, but after hearing about a lack of volunteers in Kendal, he began volunteering in 2014.

His commitment has even inspired his eight-year-old son, Harry, to occasionally contribute his time to the cause.

Mr Howarth said: "I had some spare weekends so me and my wife Samantha decided we wanted to get involved with a local charity.

"We decided on GNAAS because it was a familiar sight in the Lake District and after hearing more about what was involved in pre-hospital emergency care it was evident how vital this service was in a rural area like Cumbria."

Mr Howarth's son, Harry, also helps out (Image: Great North Air Ambulance)

The 'ground crew' of GNAAS includes more than a hundred regular volunteers supporting the charity in numerous ways — delivering presentations about GNAAS to the public, manning stalls at summer shows and even emptying collection boxes.

The support has enabled the service to respond to more than 2,000 callouts last year.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Howarth has pitched in at events, county and car shows, and supermarket collections.

He said: "What I most enjoy about volunteering is being able to inform the public about this fantastic charity.

"It still amazes me how many people think this is a government funded service."

Requiring more than £8m a year to operate, GNAAS relies heavily on public funds.

Mr Howarth said: "As a volunteer you get to meet fantastic people, attend amazing events and have fun.

"You don't have to have the passion, that comes afterwards from meeting people who are still here thanks to the charity."

The GNAAS operates two helicopters year-round, even providing a night time service in the North East and Cumbria.

Mr Howarth started as a mechanic in 2014 at GNAAS (Image: North West Air Ambulance)

The service's state-of-the-art techniques, equipment, and medications provide the best possible care to patients right at their location.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities with GNAAS, visit their website or call 01325 487263.