Ballynahinch Glentoran Supporters Club recently presented a cheque to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland before the Premiership match at home to Linfield on 1st December.
The funds were raised at a game between Glentoran Legends and Ballynahinch United at United’s Millbridge ground at the end of August and will help save the lives of individuals who have been in a traumatic incident or extreme medical emergency.
The charity, working with partners at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service exists to ensure the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is there for those who need it and currently it is needed on average twice per day. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes. From inception to the medical crew have been tasked on 4,000 occasions.
Area Fundraising Manager at the charity, Grace said, “We are so grateful to Eric, the rest of the Ballynahinch Glentoran Supporters Club and everyone who participated in the event for their wonderful support.
The funds raised will help the medical team lift off by helicopter to reach future patients, wherever that may be in Northern Ireland. This is very much a service that no one wishes to need but is there for every one of us.
As a service we rely heavily on charitable donations to keep the medical team in the air, delivering critical care to patients who have suffered trauma throughout Northern Ireland – without this type of support, the team simply couldn’t fly. Every single penny counts. We want to say a huge thank you to Ballynahinch Glentoran Supporters Club and everyone who participated in this event for their amazing support.”
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 charity cherishes connecting with former patients and patient families. If you, or one of your family members, have been treated by the HEMS Crew please get in touch with Air Ambulance NI by calling 028 9262 2677.
Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £2.5million each year to maintain and sustain this service, so public donations are crucial.