Great North Air Ambulance Service

Kerry Irving and his English springer spaniels Max, Paddy and Harry gained a huge international following after broadcasting their daily walks live via their Facebook page Max Out in the Lake District.

Over the past two years they’ve raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for GNAAS, by hosting several community events and dog walks.

In recognition of their support, Kerry was presented with a certificate of appreciation in April 2022, naming the dogs as honorary crew members – Dogtor Max, Puppermedic Paddy and Pawlot Harry.

Sadly, Max passed away shortly afterwards, and now Kerry and his dogs Paddy and Harry are continuing Max’s legacy by raising further funds for numerous charities.

This culminated in Kerry funding a brand-new Volvo XC90 to be used by GNAAS’ critical care team in Cumbria, which proudly displays Max’s pawprint.

Speaking at the time of the donation, Kerry said: “Max our Springer Spaniel was there when I needed him and saved my life from depression.

“Max’s popularity went on to help thousands of other people up until he passed away in April.

“Helping others in need is the greatest gift we can all give and our community funded critical care vehicle given to GNAAS today, will help thousands of people in their hour of need.”

Recently Kerry was the first person to be awarded the freedom of Keswick at a special ceremony in Hope Park, which is the home of a statue of Max.

He said: “We’re exceptionally proud of our town. Angela’s (Kerry’s wife) born and bred in this town and it’s just a really good place to live.

“Max got me out when I needed it most, and that’s what I’m trying to do now - get other people inspired to go outside, enjoy the fresh air, the countryside, but also the friendships that have been created from a Facebook page called Max Out in the Lakes is phenomenal.

“It’s just incredible what the power of a dog can bring to a human.”

During the event, Hannah Powell, regional fundraising lead for GNAAS, announced that Kerry had agreed to become an ambassador for GNAAS.

She said to the crowd: “We met Kerry about two years ago now, after we did the collection for Alistair Corfield (Kerry’s father-in-law) also known as Grandpaw, and because of that, it’s carried on and grown and the events that Kerry pulls off on our charity’s behalf are just mind blowing.

“And because of that, David, our CEO, asked Kerry, would he like to be our charity’s ambassador.”

Kerry added: “I’m very pleased to say that we have accepted the role. GNAAS means the world to us.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Great North Air Ambulance Service provides air ambulance services across the North-East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire. It is entirely funded by charity. Working with the NHS and fellow emergency services, GNAAS has become an important part of the region’s major incident response.

Key stats and figures Apr 2021 – Mar 2022

Total number of call-outs – 1732

Average per week – 33

Average per day - 5

Average cost per call-out - £4,478