Country music singer songwriter, Derek Ryan, will perform a special show on October 17th at Killylea Church Hall to help raise much needed funds for the charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI).
The show forms part of Derek’s new ‘Song Writer Sessions’ tour, a series of 11 evenings of intimate, acoustic performances with special guest Niamh McGlinchey which will take place across the months of October and November.
The charity partnership comes after sisters, Joanne Hale and Susan Bloomer, approached Derek to see if he would dedicate a show in their hometown of Killylea to support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Joanne and Susan are two of AANI’s many registered fundraising volunteers who are doing what they can to raise awareness for the charity, which has just celebrated its first year in service.
The Charity, AANI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the region and responds to seriously ill or injured patients 12 hours a day, 7 days per week. The fundraising will play a part in helping to raise the £2million required each year to keep this vital service operational.
Speaking about their fundraising efforts, Joanne said: “My sister and I began to fundraise for AANI after the death of a family friend and the charity has become very close to our hearts. We’re absolutely thrilled that Derek will be performing this special concert in aid of AANI and hope the event helps to raise plenty of money for the charity.
“We are also organising a tractor run as part of our fundraising efforts and this will be the third year we will be doing it for the Air Ambulance, along with two other charities. It will take place at Killylea Church Hall on October 27th and we’re expecting a great turnout!”
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland said: “We’re delighted to have the support from Derek Ryan and from Joanne and Susan who, along with all of our fundraisers, go above and beyond to help raise awareness and funding for the charity. Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £2million each year to maintain this service so events such as this are crucial.”
Derek Ryan will perform at Killylea Church Hall on October 17th. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are £20 and can be purchased from the Spar, Killylea or through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/derek-ryan-songwriter-session-killylea-church-hall-tickets-47302809978
From its base near Lisburn, the air ambulance can reach any part of Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes. Its primary role is to deliver advanced critical care, benefitting those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma, by bringing urgent medical assistance directly to the patient at the scene.
To find out more about Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and how you can support the charity, visit Air Ambulance Northern Ireland’s Facebook page or call 028 9262 2677.
