AIRBORNE lifesavers have appointed a new regional fundraiser for North Yorkshire.

Helen Gowans will play a crucial role in helping the Yorkshire Air Ambulance raise the £9,990 it needs each day to keep its two helicopters flying.

The 49-year-old, who lives in Masham, previously ran a small family timber business and has more than 20 years experience in sales.

“I really wanted a new challenge and wanted to move into the charitable sector, so I handed over the reins of the business to my son and am really enjoying this new role,” she said.

“Everyone has such love and respect for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the work that it does.

“One of the charity’s two helicopters is based in North Yorkshire – at RAF Topcliffe – and in such a rural part of the county people really appreciate the value of the service.”

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance provides a rapid response emergency service to five million people across the county. The only help it receives to do that is the secondment of its paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust.