Air Ambulance NI is calling on people across the Causeway Coast and wider Northern Ireland community to show their support by entering a special fundraising raffle, with the chance to win a brand-new Kia Picanto GT-Line worth over £18,000.

Tickets are £10 each and will raise funds for the charity’s Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). Every ticket sold will help support Air Ambulance NI, which responds to critical emergencies across Northern Ireland on average twice every day.

Among those encouraging the public to get behind the appeal is Ronnie Hogg, a local man from Coleraine whose life changed on 14 January 2021 when he was involved in a road traffic collision while out cycling. Ronnie needed the support of Air Ambulance NI and went on to spend over three months in hospital before making a strong recovery.

Now, Ronnie is lending his voice to the raffle appeal and asking local people to support the service that was there for him when he needed it most. The raffle was the brainchild of the Osborne family, based in Ballymoney, who have been fundraising for Air Ambulance NI since Simon Osborne needed the service following a road traffic collision in 2019. It has been organised in partnership with Roadside Garages Ltd in Coleraine and the Simon Osborne Air Ambulance Appeal, with the car fully provided through generous local support so that proceeds from ticket sales can go towards Air Ambulance NI.

Ronnie Hogg said: “I know first-hand how important Air Ambulance NI is. When the worst happened to me, the service was there, and I will always be grateful for the care I received. Buying a ticket, or better still a book of 10, is a simple way to give something back and help make sure the team can be there for the next person who needs them.”

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said: “We are so grateful to Ronnie for sharing his story and encouraging others to support this fantastic raffle. Air Ambulance NI is needed on average twice every day, and it takes £8,200 per day in fundraising to keep the service operational. Community support makes this lifesaving service possible, and buying a book of tickets is a wonderful way to help save lives, brains and limbs across Northern Ireland.”

The raffle prize is a brand-new Kia Picanto GT-Line, supplied through support from Roadside Garages and local business sponsors. Tickets cost £10 each, with books of 10 available for £100. The draw will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at a Gala Night being organised by the Osborne family in aid of the charity.

Supporters can buy tickets in various ways: online via the Simon Osborne Air Ambulance Appeal facebook page, by calling into Roadside Garages in Coleraine, Tony Osborne Family Butcher shop in Ballymoney, Mathewson Chemist Ballymoney or Air Ambulance NI in Lisburn. Those who would like a book posted out can contact the charity directly on 028 9262 2677. Businesses, clubs and community groups are especially encouraged to take a book of tickets and help spread the word.

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. The charity relies on public donations and fundraising support of £8,200 every day to keep the service operational 365 days a year.