Local Hero Wins Dream Holiday and Shares Joy with Family

In a heartwarming twist of fate, John Kenyon from Stockton has become the lucky winner of a luxurious holiday to Barbados, all thanks to his unwavering support for the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS). This uplifting story encapsulates not only the thrill of winning but also the importance of community support for vital services that save lives.

A Life-Changing Call

John, who has been a steadfast contributor to GNAAS since 2015, was taken by surprise when he received a call from Dr. Natalie Lonsdale, a member of the charity's critical care team. The excitement was palpable as she delivered the wonderful news of his prize, leaving John in disbelief. Reflecting on the moment, he expressed, “I didn’t believe it at first because these things don’t normally happen.”

Giving Back to Family

In a selfless act, John decided to gift the two-bedroom apartment stay in Barbados to his children. His son, Andy Kenyon, initially thought it was a joke when he received the news. “He sent me the video announcing him as the winner and I initially thought he was joking,” said Andy. However, the reality set in, and plans to visit the idyllic island are well underway. In January, Andy and his family are set to enjoy a well-deserved holiday while also hoping to include their nurse sister-in-law.

The Importance of Supporting GNAAS

Both John and Andy highlighted the critical role that GNAAS plays in their local community, emphasizing the unpredictability of emergencies. “It’s wonderful to know there’s a service available like that. It’s nice being able to give so other people can be saved,” John remarked. Their story acts as a reminder of the impact charitable contributions can have, especially in life-and-death situations.

A Successful Fundraising Effort

This year’s raffle, which totaled an impressive £73,656, underscores the generosity of the community supporting the charity. With summer approaching, GNAAS aims to launch another raffle, continuing their mission to help those in critical need across the region. Andy encourages everyone to support such vital services, stating, “It relies solely on donations to run.”