The Coast Road Dart Team in Glenarm raised £3,740 for Air Ambulance NI Charity through the third year of its annual event in memory of Maggie Black. This brings the team’s total donations to £13,400—enough to help provide pre-hospital care at the scene for at least three patients attended by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

Of this year’s total, £200 has been dedicated to placing Maggie’s name on the underside of Air Ambulance NI’s new aircraft, which is due to enter service later this year. Through the charity’s Lift Off Together campaign, supporters can still have their own name, a family name or the name of someone special featured on the aircraft. Find out more at airambulanceni.org/lift-off-together.

Maggie’s father, Brian, is a club member. He attended a recent cheque presentation with his wife, Sheenagh, fellow club member James Wilson and Kerry Anderson of Air Ambulance NI Charity.

Sheenagh Black said, “It means so much to our family to see Maggie remembered with such warmth while raising vital funds for this wonderful charity. We are incredibly grateful to the darts community for organising another successful event and continuing to honour our wee Maggie in such a special way.”

Kerry said, “We are deeply grateful to the Coast Road Dart Team for honouring Maggie’s memory in such a meaningful way. Their continued support celebrates her life and helps our medical team reach the next patient whose life may depend on the air ambulance. The generosity of community groups and sports clubs like this enables us to be there for people across Northern Ireland when they need us most.”

Maggie died from undiagnosed Addison’s disease in 2021 at just five years old. Since then, fundraising in her memory has generated £39,000 for Air Ambulance NI. Over the past four and a half years, this has included donations in lieu of funeral flowers, a community walk, a coffee weekend, and support from North Antrim GAA and Co. Antrim Fleadh.

The Coast Road Dart Team thanks its board sponsors, everyone who donated or purchased raffle prizes, and the other darts teams that supported the event.

The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) is delivered in partnership by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI Charity. The charity aims to raise £3 million each year to keep the helicopter operational and sustain this potentially life-saving service.