The City of Derry Young Farmers Club have completed their 60th anniversary activity and fundraising for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in memory of the late David Crockett who was sadly killed in a farm accident in June 2020. 

The club were able to secure a unique 60-year-old Fendt tractor all the way from Germany where it formed the top prize in an auction lead by Richard Beatie and hosted by Mart Eye last October 2021. The club have been able to hand over £52,442.66 to Air Ambulance NI, contributing to its £2million annual fundraising need and funding almost 10 days.

Prior to the big auction the club organised a family fun day during which the 60-year-old tractor was used in a 24-hour plough.  Members took turns to plough through the night and day and then a modern-day Fendt was used to plough the same area in less than an hour!  This event really brought the farming and agricultural community together.

A member of the club said, “The activity was two years in the planning, we really wanted to do something different.  We had no idea the tractor would be sold for what it did – £30,000!  We have been able to present £52,442.66 to the air ambulance charity and it’s wonderful that this will give the best chance to future patients.  None of us know when we might need it, and in the farming community we know that more than most.”

A group of fifty people representing club members, previous members, sponsors and supporters gathered in Ebrington Square, Derry, to present the charity with the funds and acknowledge the incredible support.

Ian Crowe, native of Derry and Trustee of Air Ambulance NI said, “The clubs activity in memory of David Crockett illustrates how well thought of he was and how much he is missed by the local community. We are in awe at the result of the City of Derry Young Farmers Club efforts.  This fundraising idea was so unique, and we really admire the lengths that the club went to in securing the tractor, organizing the 24-hour plough, family fun event and the auction. 

Through these efforts Derry City Young Farmers Club have funded almost 10 days of the air ambulance service, meaning that 20 patients will benefit from exemplary pre-hospital care at the scene of an accident or critical medical emergency.  We thank everyone in the club and all of their sponsors, prize donors and all of the community who helped to make this possible.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland.  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 December 2021 the medical crew have been tasked 2,679 times.

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.