Rodney Connor has announced his retirement from his role on the Board of Trustees of the Charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (Air Ambulance NI).

Rodney has played a significant and important role in initiating this vital, lifesaving service to the people of Northern Ireland, having campaigned for a Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) since 2005.

Ray Foran, Chair of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, said: “Since 2005 Rodney has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the absolute need for an air ambulance and to bring this service to NI.  He was instrumental in securing the Libor grant in April 2016, which provided the all-important funding to implement the Helicopter Emergency Service. He worked determinedly  to ensure the processes and systems were in place to deliver a world-class service from day one of  operations, which commenced in March 2017. Since then, the service has been tasked to over 1000 trauma incidents, saving lives and providing vital medical interventions.  This would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and hard work of Rodney. The Board and friends of AANI want to thank Rodney for his support, guidance and significant contribution in implementing and setting the Charity up in the right direction for the future, we wish him and his wife Liz every happiness in retirement.