Ballycastle businesswoman Angela Morton, of Morton’s chip shop, has raised an impressive £2,867.57 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland after completing the Antrim Coast Half-Marathon on 23 August 2026.

Angela said, “This is a charity that we all hope never to need, but are glad that it exists and helps to many people.  It was a huge challenge and I would like to thank everyone who supported me”.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, recently met Angela alongside local volunteer Anne McKay to thank her for taking on the challenge and for the generosity of everyone who supported her fundraising.

Kerry Anderson said: “Angela’s determination and the generosity shown by the Ballycastle community are truly inspiring. Raising £2,867.57 through her first half-marathon is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly grateful to Angela and to everyone who supported her.”

She continued: “There are many ways to make a difference. We are calling on people across the community to give up a few hours to volunteer at one of our collections, organise their own fundraiser, or take on a challenge. Every hour given and every pound raised helps support this vital service.”

Two Belfast abseils are among the charity’s upcoming challenges. The Invest NI Twilight Abseil takes place at the Invest NI Building on Bedford Street on 14 November, followed by the Invest NI Christmas Abseil at the same venue on 5 December. Registration costs £45 and participants are asked to raise at least £150 in sponsorship.

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. Operating 12 hours a day, seven days a week, the team delivers advanced pre-hospital care directly to people who are seriously ill or injured, with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately 25 minutes.

As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain the service, making public donations, fundraising and volunteering crucial.