Thomas Bowen and his wife Jacqueline from Castlecaufield, Co Tyrone have raised £90,000 for Air Ambulance NI following a community ‘Night of Celebration’ fundraiser after Thomas needed the air ambulance last year.
Thomas was unloading cattle at the mart in Clogher on the 17th May when a bull in one of the loading bays struck him in the stomach with its head as he turned around, resulting in him sustaining serious internal injuries to his abdomen. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) were tasked via the charity air ambulance to the scene. Due to the severity of his injuries, the HEMS doctor and paramedic placed Thomas into an induced coma at the scene. They also carried out a one and half litre blood transfusion due to the extent of his internal injuries and loss of blood he had sustained.
Thomas said, “I was told that from when the air ambulance was tasked in Lisburn, to landing and treating me in Clogher and then transporting me to Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast, it took 58 minutes in total. That’s what saved my life.” Thomas spent thirty-one days in Royal Victoria Hospital and a further four days in Craigavon Area Hospital recovering from his injuries.
Thomas and Jackie returned their thanks to the charity by holding a ‘Night of Celebration’ at Quinn’s Corner, Dungannon on Saturday 18th April. The night comprised of a live auction, raffle, live music and was attended by hundreds of people from across the entire community all in support of the well-known farmer.
Speaking after the event, Thomas and Jackie said, “We are delighted to hand over such a large amount of money to Air Ambulance. We would like to thank everyone who gave a donation or donated gifts to the auction and raffle. We also would like to thank CJ Donaghy who played a big part in securing auction items from many local businesses and individuals, Pat Traynor for his support and providing food on the night, Adrian Logan for MCing, auctioneer Rodney Windrum, Paudge Quinn and his staff at Quinn’s Corner and to all our family and friends who supported the fundraiser in any way.”
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, “I want to thank Thomas, Jackie and the entire community for their incredible donation to the charity. It was a phenomenal night of generosity – their donation of £90,000 will fund the service for eleven days, potentially saving the lives of twenty-two people in the region. Thomas has made a wonderful recovery over the last twelve months since his accident and he has certainly played a huge part in ensuring the helicopter emergency medical service can continue to be there for those who need it most. We are humbled by the support from the community and we never take it for granted.”
