Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has extended its sincere thanks to Bawn Meats for their generous donation, raised through a charity BBQ held during the Richhill Apple Fayre in October 2025.
The total raised was boosted by an exceptionally generous £200 contribution from a local supporter who has chosen to remain anonymous, bringing the overall donation to £500. Despite brisk weather and the odd lashing of rain, the team raised an impressive £300 in just three hours. The event was supported by a dedicated group of volunteers, loyal customers, and even saw the Lord Mayor lending a hand by flipping a few burgers, making it a memorable and successful community effort.
Speaking about the donation, Bawn Meats owner, Errol Lenaghan, said:
“We were delighted to support Air Ambulance NI through our charity BBQ at the Richhill Apple Fayre. It’s a service that could help any one of us at any time, and we’re proud to play a small part in supporting the incredible work they do. I’d like to thank everyone who came along, donated, and helped make the day such a success.”
Air Ambulance NI relies entirely on public donations to maintain its vital service, which operates seven days a week, responding to serious trauma and medical emergencies across Northern Ireland.
Bébhionn Hardy, Community Fundraising Coordinator, at Air Ambulance NI, expressed her appreciation:
“We are extremely grateful to Errol and everyone at Bawn Meats for their generous donation, as well as to all those who supported the charity BBQ. Community-led fundraising like this makes a real difference and helps ensure we can continue to deliver critical pre-hospital care when it is needed most.”
The charity Air Ambulance NI, 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 the province within twenty-five minutes.
On average the medical team are called upon twice every day, whether that to a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency. As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain this service so public donations are crucial. You can support the charity by getting involved in one of their exciting upcoming events, whether it be a unique 5K Runway Run, daring abseil or iconic hiking challenge. You can browse the full list and sign up for a challenge that suits you at: https://airambulanceni.org/upcoming-events/ alternatively you can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.
