A Downpatrick man who tragically lost his life in a road traffic collision on February 22, 2024, in Newry has been remembered through a heartfelt fundraising event organised by the McLeigh family.

Mark Murphy received care from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team at Air Ambulance NI, alongside their colleagues at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). In his memory, the McLeigh family arranged a skittles event on August 10th, receiving incredible support from the Downpatrick community and raising an outstanding £6,326.20.

Mark, an employee of Down Drains and a lorry driver, was well-known and highly regarded in his community, as reflected in the generosity shown during the fundraiser.

The McLeigh family expressed their gratitude to their local skittles club, The Castle Inn Ladies Skittles Team, as well as to everyone who donated and participated in the event to honour Mark’s memory.

Amy Henshaw, Area Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI, said: “It was a pleasure meeting Mark’s family to receive such an incredible donation in his memory. We are humbled that his family could come together and fundraise for the charity through their own grief, and for that, we are entirely grateful. This phenomenal donation will go towards helping the next patient in critical need. Thank you.”

The charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, operates the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The service provides urgent medical assistance throughout the province, operating seven days a week, 12 hours per day. The HEMS team delivers emergency pre-hospital care directly to patients who are seriously ill or injured, with the goal of saving lives, brains, and limbs.

The aircraft can reach any location in Northern Ireland within approximately 25 minutes, and on average, the medical team is called upon twice daily. Incidents include road traffic collisions, workplace and farm accidents, sports injuries, or serious medical emergencies.

Patients or families who have been assisted by the HEMS team are welcome to visit the airbase. To arrange a visit, contact Air Ambulance NI at 028 9262 2677.As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI must raise £2.5 million annually to sustain this vital service. Public donations are crucial, and one way to support is by joining Club AANI, a membership program offering the option of monthly or annual subscriptions.

To learn more, visit www.airambulanceni.org, email info@airambulanceni.org, or call 028 9262 2677.