The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) has received a legacy donation of more than £80,000 from a “modest” joiner and undertaker.
Frank Barker, from Calderbridge, ran his own joinery and undertaker business and had a lifelong passion for motorbikes.
He sadly passed away in February 2022 aged 92 but very generously left a donation in his will for GNAAS, which was £80,872.32.
Frank’s cousin Sally Ingall, who was the executor of his will, recently visited GNAAS’ base in Langwathby, Penrith with her son Bryan Ingall to learn more about the operations of the charity and how the donation will help them in the future.
Bryan said: “Frank was a very quiet guy and very modest. He was a countryman, enjoyed fishing, and went to the pub quite regularly for the company.
“He knew everybody around the area, and I didn’t hear anyone say a bad word about him. He was a big part of the village.”
Frank spent most of his life in Calderbridge apart from two years’ national service with the RAF. He was incredibly close to his sister who was 14 years older than him, and his home was filled with several motorbikes.
Bryan said: “His passion was motorbikes and always had been since he was a young man, after he came back from the RAF.
“He built a few classic race bikes which were used by a number of people, and he used to go to the Manx Grand Prix and TT races in the Isle of Man.”
Sally added: “When I was 16 or 17 he used to take me to the grass tracks and said I was the best pillion he ever had.
“He was a lovely fella, good fun and good for the craic because his age meant he could remember really far back.”
As a motorcyclist, Frank was aware of the work of GNAAS, who regularly respond to motorcycle incidents, and had previously supported the charity by buying tickets for their raffle and playing the lottery.
Bryan said: “He was always keen on GNAAS because it’s quite close to a lot of motorcyclist’s hearts.”
Following the donation in his will, Bryan and Sally were invited to GNAAS’ base and were given a tour of the air ambulance by the charity’s critical care team.
Bryan said: “It was very interesting looking at the helicopter and seeing how it all worked.
“We often see them flying over Wasdale and the Scafell area.”
Sally added: “I was astounded by the space inside the helicopter, as it looks so much bigger when I watch them on the tv.
“The amount of equipment they have, including surgical equipment and a tiny ultrasound scanner, is just amazing.
“It’s nice to know Frank’s contribution will help GNAAS continue to operate. If the money saves anybody’s lives that’s wonderful.”
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