15-Year-Old Fundraiser wins Air Ambulance Trophy dedicated in memory of Hugo Yaxley
Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are proud to announce the winner of a special fundraising trophy in support of its ‘Race from the Base’ cycling event. The life-saving charity has paid thanks and congratulated 15-year-old Ben Kilminster from Poole in Dorset, on being announced the winner of this year’s Huge Yaxley Trophy. Ben took part in the air ambulance’s ‘Race from the Base’ cycling event in June and raised the most amount in sponsorship which totalled £933.75. The special trophy was created in memory of Huge Yaxley who was a keen cyclist and tragically lost his life in a road traffic incident in November 2020. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance’s critical care team cared for Huge at the scene and then airlifted him to University Hospital Southampton to receive further treatment. Tragically, Huge died in hospital later that night because of his injuries, which were catastrophic.
Amanda Yaxley, Hugo’s mum, congratulated Ben on his tremendous efforts and said:
“Huge would have been so thrilled to see you get the award in his name, Ben. Your drive and determination in raising such a fantastic amount is amazing. Huge started his fundraising at around your age and on a bike, so it just seems to fit so perfectly. Clearly, you’re good at this so please keep on doing it. “The crews, support staff and volunteers for air ambulance services across the country are just incredible in their work, skill sets and the fact they are always there for us all.
However, our favourite is definitely Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance for many reasons. The most important thing being that they took such good care of Huge when they arrived at the awful car crash he was involved in, so that we, his parents, were able to say goodbye to him at Southampton Hospital.
It is only over time that we have learned what the crew did that day, not just for Huge, but also his girlfriend and two friends who were with him. They worked closely with three other air ambulance crews all of whom were amazing.”
“We have thoroughly enjoyed developing close ties with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and this award in Hugo’s name is such an honour and means so much to us and his brothers. We want to say a huge thank you on behalf of Huge and all the others before and after him, for your fundraising and all that it does to enable Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance to continue their hard, dedicated and essential work for us all.”
Ben was thrilled to receive such a special trophy when he visited the charity’s Henstridge airbase at the weekend and said:
“What an amazing opportunity to visit the airbase to meet the crew, learn life-saving CPR and see all aspects of that charity that so many people work hard to keep running. It was a privilege to receive the Huge Yaxley Trophy and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to my fundraiser. It is amazing to know that the funds raised will help so many people when they really need it the most. Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance are an amazing charity and I can’t wait to take part in Race from the Base again next year.”
Emma Jones, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager said:
“What an incredible amount raised by Ben! This was a huge contribution to the overall money raised, with over £10,000 begin received so far and Ben raising a tenth of that! Thank you, Ben, for your wonderful efforts and to everyone who supported him on his quest. Our thanks also go to the Yaxley family for their continued support of the charity. Not only did they take part in the event, but Hugo’s brother Tom designed all three of the fantastic routes. We are already looking forward to next year, when our ‘Race from the Base’ event takes place on Saturday 7th September 2024.”
The charity’s next fundraising event, the 5K Twilight Shift, takes place on Saturday 23rd September. Participants can turn up on the day to register and take part. More information and timings can be found by visiting here.
Entrance fees: Adults (£15), Under 16’s (£10)
Please note, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
