Yorkshire Air Ambulance has said a fond farewell to North Yorkshire fundraising manager Tony Doveston who has retired.
Tony, from Harrogate, has led fundraising efforts in the North of the region for the last seven years helping to significantly raise the profile of the rapid response emergency service.
Following an 18-year career in the RAF, Tony took up a senior role in the Department of Health in the late 1980s before becoming Regional Director at the British Heart Foundation for the North of England in 1995.
Tony joined Yorkshire Air Ambulance as a fundraiser in 2008.
Tony said:
I only intended to stay for a couple of years, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the job and have met some amazing people.
The charity is extremely well supported by the people of Yorkshire, and its work is very much appreciated by those living in our more rural communities.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance has always been very lean and well managed and people really do appreciate that it’s here and working for them. I just feel very fortunate that I have been able to give something back.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance serves 5million people across Yorkshire and has carried more than 6,400 people in its 15-year history.
The independent charity needs to raise £12,000 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air and flying, which is equivalent to £4.4 million a year.
YAA Director of Fundraising Paul Gowland said:
Tony’s skills, experience and hard work have been a huge asset to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. It has been a great pleasure to work with Tony over the last seven years and he will be missed by all his colleagues, volunteers and supporters.
Tony, 68, is hoping retirement will allow him time to pursue his community service and local health interests, play more golf and enjoy being a first-time grandparent.
