BECBC takes fundraising to new heights in support of the Great North Air Ambulance Service

Members of the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) team are preparing to take to the skies – literally - as part of a bold fundraising challenge in support of their 2025 Charity of the Year, the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). On August 9th, a group of BECBC representatives, including CEO Dianne Richardson and Professional Services Group Chair Connor Fish, will take on a skydiving challenge to raise vital funds for the life-saving service.

“This is more than a fundraiser - it’s a statement of intent,” said Dianne Richardson, CEO of BECBC. “We’re committed to supporting GNAAS in a way that’s visible, bold, and aligned with the urgency of their work. I’ll be jumping out of a plane on August 9th to raise at least £1,000 and to help remind people that this extraordinary service exists because we choose to support it.

“We all hope we never need GNAAS but in a rural area like Cumbria, it’s a huge comfort to know they’re there, ready to respond when every second counts.”

“It’s a cause that speaks to all of us across the business community,” added Connor Fish, Chair of the Professional Services Group. “The skydive is a personal challenge, but it’s also about solidarity with the GNAAS teams who go above and beyond for others every single day.

“This is out of my comfort zone but when we heard just how much it costs to run the service and how vital they are during a presentation from Natasha at GNAAS I decided to join Dianne and raise money.”

In a region where geography can mean the difference between life and death, the Great North Air Ambulance Service is a lifeline. GNAAS brings hospital-level treatment directly to the scene of emergencies, whether that’s a remote fellside or a rural road in Cumbria. With no government funding and a daily operational cost of £25,200, the service relies entirely on public and corporate donations to stay airborne.

BECBC’s partnership with GNAAS has been in full swing since January 2025, and the upcoming skydive is just one highlight in a packed year of fundraising activity. The campaign gained momentum through The Turncoat evening, a standout event held at Muncaster Castle last month, hosted by Emma-Jayne Gooch, Nuclear Group lead on behalf of BECBC.

The immersive evening of lies, laughter, and loyalty - inspired by BBC’s The Traitors -delivered unforgettable drama in an unforgettable setting.

“Mary and I poured countless hours into crafting an event that didn’t just entertain, it transported,” said Emma-Jayne. “From concept to castle, we designed, built, and schemed (in the best way) to give guests a night they wouldn’t forget. And judging by the reactions... we nailed it. But more than that, this was about raising serious money for GNAAS and our incredible community really delivered.”

The impact has been tangible. So far, nearly 20 BECBC member businesses have pledged support through sponsorships, fundraising events, and awareness campaigns.

“We’re incredibly grateful for BECBC’s energy and commitment,” said Natasha Banks, CSR & Philanthropy Specialist at GNAAS. “We were thrilled to be named charity of the year by BECBC and receive their ongoing support. Working with an organisation like BECBC gives us the opportunity to connect with the region’s business leaders and highlight the life-saving work that we do. During our partnership we hope to increase awareness of our charity and raise vital funds to ensure we remain operational throughout Cumbria and beyond.”

GNAAS: Why Support Matters

• Attends around 500 incidents annually in Cumbria

• Trauma patients treated by GNAAS are 37% more likely to survive at 30 days

• Over 5% of patients are “unexpected survivors”—people who statistically wouldn’t have survived without GNAAS intervention

• Operational cost: £25,200 per day

• Zero government funding—entirely supported by donations, fundraising, and grants

• Often the only viable emergency response in hard-to-reach rural and mountainous areas

The sky really is the limit for this year’s campaign and BECBC is encouraging more members, businesses, and community groups to get involved.

“This isn’t just a charity partnership, it’s a shared mission,” added Dianne. “When we support GNAAS, we’re investing in the safety, resilience, and wellbeing of our community.”

Connor Fish is fundraising for Great North Air Ambulance Service

Dianne Richardson is fundraising for Great North Air Ambulance Service