Councillor Tim McClelland, in his role as Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council visited the airbase of Air Ambulance NI recently to present a cheque for £1,500 towards the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Commenting on the gift, Tim said, “Air Ambualnce NI does so much for our community,  It was fascinating to learn that the medical team, consisting of a consultant doctor and paramedic, are needed on average twice every day.  No one knows when they might need it, but I hope this contribution helps in some way to help sustain the service for us all.”

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at the charity said, “As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £2.5million each year so support from organisations and individuals is crucial.  We are very grateful for this donation and encourage everyone to do what they can to support.  There are lots of ways to help including becoming a volunteer, club member or taking part in an event like an abseil, skydive or dragon boat race.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland.  The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs.  The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.