Keepers raise over "6000 for Great North Air Ambulance

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A Yorkshire gamekeeper, who organised a fundraising clay pigeon shoot, has handed over a cheque for £6,206 to the Great North Air Ambulance Service. The event, the Yorkshire Challenge Cup, now in its second year, attracted a field of over 80 competitors, almost all of whom were gamekeepers. The fundraiser took place at the Rosedale and Westerdale estate on the North York Moors. A cheque for an identical sum went to support the work of the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation, which represents gamekeepers across England and Wales. In total the day raised a staggering £12,412.

The lion’s share of the £12,412 raised on the day came from an auction of fishing and shooting lots as well as other mouth-watering items, such as meals in local restaurants, that had been kindly donated by business people in the area.

Jimmy Brough, the driving force behind this big fundraiser, held near the village of Rosedale Abbey and the headkeeper at the Rosedale and Westerdale estate, said: “Most of those taking part were, like me, fulltime gamekeepers. I can’t thank everyone enough for being so generous. Huge thanks must go to those who gave such magnificent lots to the auction. Their kindness is greatly appreciated. I’d also like to thank Mr Ross, the owner of the estate, for hosting the day.”

Mr Brough added: “I wanted to raise money for our air ambulance, as it is an incredible service and helps so many people. In our job as gamekeepers, we never know when we might need to call on them. It’s great to be able to give something back. I also wanted to raise funds for the NGO as it protects my livelihood and way of life.”

The Yorkshire Challenge Cup was won by Team Coulson – made up entirely of grouse keepers from the North Pennines – with a superb straight-shooting score of 110 out of a possible 120.

Sarah Read, the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation Northern Development Officer, said: “I’d like to thank Mr Brough, who is one of our members, for raising such a huge amount of money not only for the NGO but also for the Great North Air Ambulance Service which can, and does, save the lives of both gamekeepers and other members of the public. It was a great day, brilliantly run. Mr Brough deserves to be proud of what he has achieved.”

Stella Downing, who volunteers for the Great North Air Ambulance Service and accepted the fundraising cheque on its behalf, said: “We are delighted with the efforts put in by Jimmy and his team. Donations like these go a long way: I once had to rely on the air ambulance so I know first-hand how incredibly important this service is. The Great North Air Ambulance Service relies on generous donations like these and we would like to pass on special thanks to Jimmy and everyone else involved.”

Notes to Editors

The National Gamekeepers' Organisation represents the gamekeepers of England and Wales. It defends and promotes gamekeeping, gamekeepers and ensures high standards throughout the profession. It was founded in 1997 by a group of gamekeepers who felt that their profession was threatened by public misunderstanding and poor representation. The NGO has around 15,000 members. www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk