Robert Weatherall from Banbridge was a strong supporter of Air Ambulance NI.
He regularly watched emergency helicopter programmes on television, learning about the lifesaving interventions a HEMS team can provide and appreciating that Northern Ireland has its own air ambulance service close to home.
Robert chose to leave a donation to the charity after his death, creating a lasting legacy to help save lives.
Following Robert’s passing earlier this year, his daughter, Judith, and her husband Alan found the right time to visit Air Ambulance NI to present a cheque in his memory. Robert chose to gift £5,000 and the family had also opted for donations in lieu of flowers which generated an additional £650.
They were welcomed by Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at the charity who said: “It was a lovely and poignant opportunity to thank Judith for her father’s generous gift and show how this support makes a crucial difference.”
The couple also had the opportunity to see the helicopter and meet one of the Advanced Paramedics who works with the service.
Judith said: “It was lovely to see first-hand where Dad’s support was going and to know it could help save a life anywhere in our community. We would encourage others to consider leaving a gift in their will or donations in lieu of flowers to Air Ambulance NI. It is a wonderful way to make a lasting difference.”
Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. Operating seven days a week for 12 hours each day, the service brings urgent medical care to people who are seriously ill or injured across the province. The HEMS team delivers emergency pre-hospital care directly to the scene, with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.
On average, the medical team is called out twice every day to incidents including serious road traffic collisions, farm or workplace accidents, sport and leisure incidents, and serious medical emergencies.
Since its inception in July 2017, the medical team has been tasked 5,600 times.
As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI must raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain the service, making public donations vital. Members of the public can also have their name displayed on the charity’s incoming helicopter later this year for a donation of £200. Find out more at www.airambulanceni.org, email info@airambulanceni.org, or call 028 9262 2677.
