Since 2020, Norma Craig from Broughshane has impressively raised a total of £14,530 for Air Ambulance NI, supporting the charity’s vital work in potentially saving lives of those involved in traumatic incidents or severe medical emergencies. Air Ambulance NI, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, ensures the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service is accessible for anyone who needs it, and currently responds to emergencies on average twice daily.
This year, Norma once again held a series of raffles at tribute nights hosted by her workplace, the Ballygally Castle Hotel. The tribute acts ranged from Motown and ABBA to country and rock legends and thanks to the generosity of those attending, £3,060 was raised this year for Air Ambulance NI charity.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for the charity, shared, “We are sincerely grateful for Norma’s ongoing dedication. Her years of support are truly remarkable and play a crucial role in enabling the aircraft to respond to the next critically ill or injured patient. As a local charity, we need to raise £3m to sustain and develop the service and we rely on community fundraising from our whole community.”
Norma extends her thanks to the General Manager, Scott Weatherup, and the hotel staff for their steadfast support, with special appreciation to Jim and Alison Weatherup for their help during the raffle nights.
Norma added, “I source all the raffle prizes myself and take great satisfaction in making such a meaningful contribution to the air ambulance service. It is lovely to be able to come up to the airbase each year with the funds that have been raised, to see the helicopter and know that I am making a difference. While we all hope never to need it, it’s reassuring to know it’s there for our community.”
Air Ambulance NI is currently organising a series of events including the City of Derry Airport 5k Runway Run, sponsored by H&A Group to be held on Saturday 25th April 2026 at 8.00pm. Registration is now open for £25 per person with a fundraising ask of £100. https://airambulanceni.org/runway-run/
