Community spirit in full gallop as County Derry family raise vital funds for Air Ambulance NI

The spirit of community was alive and well in Ringsend earlier this year on Sunday, August 24, as the Ringsend Pony Trotting Club, Country Café Swatragh, and the McGill family and friends hosted a fabulous Family Fun Day in aid of Air Ambulance NI.

With sunshine, smiles, and laughter in abundance, families from far and wide gathered to enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, games, pony trotting, and delicious food and refreshments — all in support of the life-saving Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) that serves communities across Northern Ireland.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of all who attended and supported the event, an amazing total of £6,874.00 was raised — a phenomenal contribution that will help Air Ambulance NI continue to deliver critical pre-hospital care when it’s needed most.

This marks yet another outstanding effort from Ringsend Pony Trotting Club and their supporters, who previously raised an impressive £7,826 in 2021. Together, these fundraising efforts total an extraordinary £14,720.17 — helping to fund almost two full days of the service.

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to deliver the HEMS, bringing emergency medical care directly to patients. The HEMS team can reach any location in Northern Ireland within just 25 minutes and responds to an average of two emergency callouts every single day.

The service relies entirely on public donations, with £8,200 needed each day to keep the Air Ambulance flying directly to patients bringing critical medical care when every second counts. Fundraising events like this one make a tangible difference in saving lives across Northern Ireland.

“We are so grateful to everyone involved in this fantastic event — the Ringsend Pony Trotting Club, Country Café Swatragh, the McGill family and friends, and everyone who came along to support them,” said Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI.

“The dedication and generosity shown by this community is truly inspiring. Every pound raised helps the medical team reach patients in their most critical moments, giving them the best possible chance of survival. This support means the world to us and to those whose lives are touched by the service.”

Air Ambulance NI extends its heartfelt thanks to all organisers, participants, and donors for their incredible support and community spirit.