Determination was in the air as local adventurers Seamus McCloskey and Paul Lynch completed the gruelling ‘Foyle Adventure Challenge’, raising an incredible £8,720 to support 4 charities close to their hearts, including £2,180 for Air Ambulance NI, as well as Foyle Hospice, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Arc Fitness.

Fuelled by passion for causes close to their hearts, Seamus and Paul undertook an extraordinary test of endurance, covering 54 miles in a single day. Their journey included a 46km cycle from Ebrington to Magilligan, a 2km kayak across the Lough to Greencastle, and a challenging 36km run back to Ebrington – each mile driven by purpose. 

Weeks of intense training and a series of supporting fundraising events led up to this epic feat, with all funds raised shared among their four chosen charities. Their efforts showcased the power of community, generosity, and resilience. 

Reflecting on the challenge, Seamus McCloskey shared, “The Foyle Adventure Challenge was tougher than we ever expected. I’ve had plenty of knocks over the past 12 months, a few injuries and setbacks but there were good people behind me the whole way. It was never about us; everyone who donated, supported, or came out on the day made this possible. My pain was temporary, but what we achieved together will last a long time. We carried a lot of emotion into it—loss, hope, gratitude—and to see it all come together and raise £8,720 for four amazing charities means the world to us. A huge thanks to everyone who donated and to our incredible sponsors for backing us throughout the journey. It just shows what can happen when a community pulls together for something that matters.” 

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides the vital Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), delivering critical care to the most seriously ill or injured individuals across the region, on average twice every day. The service requires £8,200 each day to stay operational—funds made possible through public support and inspiring fundraising initiatives like this. 

Since its launch in July 2017, Air Ambulance NI has been tasked over 5,000 times, delivering advanced critical care at the scene and giving patients the best possible chance of survival. With a yearly fundraising need of £3 million, every pound raised—whether through daring adventures, workplace fundraisers, birthday donations, or festive events—ensures this life-saving service continues. 

Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, added: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to Seamus and Paul for their phenomenal achievement and to everyone who has supported their journey. Fundraisers like these ensure we can continue to deliver critical care when it’s needed most. This Christmas, we invite everyone to get involved—host a Christmas Jumper Day, organise a festive fundraiser, or simply spread the word. Every effort, big or small, helps save lives, brains and limbs across Northern Ireland.”