Gemma's big leap in memory of beloved five-year-old Ollie

The aunt of five-year-old Limavady boy Ollie Simmons-Watt, who passed away in September last year, is to fundraise for Air Ambulance NI in his memory.

Gemma Watt from Donemana is undertaking the challenge of a lifetime by jumping out of a plane to raise funds for the charity.

Gemma is doing this in memory of her nephew Ollie Simmons Watt who needed the help of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in September last year when he was injured in a road traffic incident.

Ollie was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away from his injuries.

Gemma said, “Our whole family miss little Ollie so much, he was only five years old when we lost him.

“Keeping his memory alive is of vital importance and I know that raising funds by doing the skydive will help others who need the services of the air ambulance.”

Anyone wishing to remember Ollie and support Gemma can do so by donating here https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gemma-watt5.

All contributions will help fund the HEMS which brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for twelve hours a day.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said, “We can only imagine the loss that the Simmons and Watt families are living with and our thoughts are with them all.

“Gemma is undertaking a very brave challenge to help others and we are so touched that she is choosing to raise funds and help a future patient.

“Every day on average, the medical team are called to two critically ill or injured people. It could be a child like little Ollie, or an adult, anywhere in the province.

“The helicopter brings speed and the medical team bring critical pre-hospital skills, able to deliver interventions that give a chance.

“Gemma’s challenge will give hope to others and we are so grateful for this. Anyone wishing to join in this challenge of a life time sky dive can register now at www.airambulanceni.org”

If you or one of your friends or loved ones has been a patient of the HEMS, the charity welcomes you to get in touch to arrange a visit to the airbase by calling 028 9262 2677.

If you would like to do a sky dive, Air Ambulance NI has two dates to choose from – 19th May and 19th September 2023.