Charity History

Dewsbury Ambulance Charities began way back in 1980 when a trio of ambulance men (as they were called then) did a sponsored walk to help raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Other walks followed and within a short while they organised their own event. The money raised was donated to the local Hospice appeal.
For the next year or so events were held, and money collected was presented to a charity of their choice at the end of the year.
About this time an elderly lady kindly donated an old caravan to us which was on a site at Morecambe and now we could send handicapped children and their families, elderly couples or maybe families who couldn't afford a break on a free weeks holiday.

Events included sponsored walks, swims, bike rides as well as Ambulance pulls and 'Flag' days. Our walks have been far and wide. Wainwright's Coast to Coast, Hadrians Wall, The West Highland way, Settle to Carlisle have all been completed. On two wheels the National Three Peaks (Ben Nevis Scarfell and Snowden) and Lands End to John O'Groats have been achieved. The first ever Hospices Bike Ride around West Yorkshire was instigated by Dewsbury Ambulance charities and is still popular today. These events and more have helped to put fun into fundraising and cheques over the last twenty three years have been presented to;
Guide Dogs for the Blind.
R.N.L.I.
Stoke Mandeville, spinal injuries unit.
Ethiopia Appeal.
Down's Syndrome.
Diabetic Society.
St Gemma's Hospice.
Little Sisters of the Poor.
H.C.P.T.
Epilepsy.
Leukemia Research.
Batley Mencap and other individual local appeals.

As well as the donations to other charities last year ten families enjoyed a week's holiday in the chalet at Bridlington. A coach trip to Lightwater Valley proved very successful and promises to be so again this year. The local pantomime at Dewsbury Town Hall presented by the Dewsbury collegians was enjoyed by over 100 people of all ages and as many as 30 kids ate ice cream and buns at the party afterwards. All this made possible by the support given to Dewsbury Ambulance Charities by the people in and around the area.
Thank you for your continuing support.