Marcella Robinson, a dedicated fundraiser and well-known music teacher from Castlederg, has once again stepped up—literally—to support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. This January, she successfully completed her sixth annual ‘Step Up for Air Ambulance NI’ challenge, running three miles every day throughout the month and raising an incredible £5,770 for the life-saving service.
This latest achievement brings Marcella’s total fundraising efforts for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to over an astonishing £23,000 over the past six years, funding the service for over three days. Each January, she laces up her running trainers and takes on the challenge, knowing that every step she takes helps fund the helicopter emergency medical service. Although it was officially a one-month long challenge, Marcella trained 3 months prior to build up her fitness levels to ensure she hit the ground running on New Year’s Day.
Speaking about the reasons why she supports air ambulance, Marcella said, “Over 35 years ago my father sustained life-changing injuries as a result of a motorcycle accident and of course we didn’t have the air ambulance back then. It is of vital importance that we continue to support and to hold onto it now.”Marcella is one not to shy away from a challenge and she took delight in undertaking her personal fundraising campaign just days after the Christmas and New Year celebrations concluded. “A challenge isn’t a challenge without its challenges! Rain, hail, snow and even Storm Ewoyn didn’t stop me from getting it done!” she joked.
But Marcella’s fundraising efforts don’t stop here. Looking ahead to June, she hopes to once again organise a charity Summer Music concert in Derg Parish to raise further funds for Air Ambulance NI. As a passionate music teacher and representative for the London College of Music, she has previously brought together talented musicians from the local area and from as far away as Co Mayo to perform in aid of the charity, and she is determined to make this year’s event another success.
Damien McAnespie, Area Fundraising Manager, Air Ambulance NI said, “We are extremely grateful for the continued and incredible support of Marcella. I think it is fair to say that Marcella experienced all seasons of weather throughout the month of January but this did not deter her from getting out, sticking on her air ambulance beanie hat and stepping into action, raising vital awareness and funds for everyone’s air ambulance in the region. Thank you to everyone who supported and donated to her and Air Ambulance NI.”
The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the region. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province within twenty-five minutes, 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. As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI relies on the generosity of the public to maintain and sustain its essential services, aiming to raise £2.5 million annually. Public donations are crucial to supporting this lifesaving mission.
Marcella’s story is one of perseverance, generosity, and community spirit. Through her determination, she has not only raised vital funds but hopefully has also inspired many others to support Air Ambulance NI. For those who wish to attend or support Marcella’s Summer Music Concert on Monday 16th June, please contact Derg Paris Church directly or via their Facebook page.