Quadriplegic Leonard Mullin from Sixmilecross, Co Tyrone has set himself the huge personal challenge of handwriting a letter of thanks to Air Ambulance NI after he required the service three years ago.
On Friday 3rd June 2022, Leonard’s life dramatically changed. A fall down his stairs at home left him with profound injuries. Leonard recalls, “It was on that day that Air Ambulance Northern Ireland came to my rescue, providing the critical care and rapid response that saved my life. However, the accident left me a quadriplegic. I’m paralysed from the chest down and have very limited use of my limbs. Every single day is a fight to regain the use of them. Even such a simple thing as holding a fork is incredibly challenging for me.”
Now, Leonard is setting himself a challenge unlike any other—a challenge not just of physical endurance but of personal meaning. He has decided to handwrite a letter of gratitude to the Air Ambulance team. For most, putting pen to paper is effortless, but for Leonard, every letter and word he writes is a battle.
“I have set myself the difficult, trying task of handwriting a deeply personal letter to express my gratitude for the incredible service and dedication of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. I’m aiming for this letter to be finished by the third anniversary of my accident, 3rd June 2025.
As someone who owes them everything, I am asking for your help to ensure they can keep flying to the aid of others in their most desperate moments. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can make sure that this lifeline is there for others in need.”
Despite the huge challenges Leonard has encountered, he has remained positive and thankful for all that has been done for him. “I have had wonderful support from family, friends, neighbours, professionals, staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, staff at Musgrave Park Hospital, staff at Antrim Area Hospital, Fairfield’s Care Centre staff, and one private massage therapist in particular. Thank you for joining me in giving back to this incredible organisation. Let’s keep their mission soaring.”
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI said, “This is an incredible challenge that Leonard has set himself, a task that most of us take for granted will be a huge test for him. So many people support charities by running marathons, hiking mountains or taking part in physical endurance events. This will be something very different but as equally as difficult for Leonard so I ask that people support his fundraising appeal. Unfortunately, two individuals on average find themselves in need of air ambulance every day in the region. At a fundraising need of £6850 per day, none of us knows who may need the air ambulance in the future but it is vitally important that it is there for everyone.”
The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service 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.
To support Leonard’s fundraising appeal, please visit Leonard Mullin is fundraising for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland or search www.justgiving.com/page/leonardsletterofgratitudeappealforairambulanceni