“Aidy’s Hooley in the Barn” returned on 1st June in Seahornan, Ardglass, filled with singing and dancing. This annual event, now firmly established in the community calendar, raises tens of thousands of pounds for local charities. Once again, Air Ambulance NI was honoured to be a beneficiary alongside the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and the MS Society.
Aidan Doyle, the driving force behind Aidy’s Hooley, coordinates the event each year from his own barn. Though he shies away from the limelight, Aidan extends his heartfelt thanks to family and friends who volunteer their time to ensure the event’s success, without whom it simply wouldn’t be possible.
The evening featured outstanding performances by Clann Uí Huiginn, Ciaran Rosney, and C&L Discos. Attendees from near and far enjoyed themselves throughout the night, raising an impressive total of £20,502, with each charity receiving a significant £6,834.
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Amy Henshaw, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, remarked, “We are constantly humbled by the generosity and dedication of those who fundraise for Air Ambulance NI, crucial to sustaining our life-saving service. We are deeply grateful to Aidan and his team of helpers for their unwavering support year after year. We also extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports Aidy’s Hooley, contributing to its remarkable fundraising success annually. This generous donation will fund one full day of the service, providing a lifeline to at least two patients facing major trauma.”
With an average of two missions per day, the medical team at Air Ambulance NI has responded to 4,235 incidents since the service began in July 2017. The charity requires £6,850 every day, making ongoing support vital. As the service approaches its seventh-year anniversary on 22nd July, the charity encourages you to consider making a regular donation of as little as £8 per month to help sustain this critical service.
To make a regular donation, simply visit www.airambulanceni.org/club-aani-membership/.