Newcastle resident Shaun Attwood is calling on the local public to climb Slieve Donard – one of Northern Ireland’s most well-known peaks, in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland as part of the charity’s 3 Peaks Challenge. Supported by Boost Drinks, the event will see supporters take on one, two or three of Northern Ireland’s famous peaks this September in aid of Air Ambulance NI.
Shaun is supporting Air Ambulance NI because of the care he received following a tragic accident when a car pulled out in front of his motorbike one day in August 2017. He was launched onto the windscreen and bounced back, landing on his back in the middle of the road. A local man called 999 and the air ambulance was called to the scene to treat Shaun’s injuries. He was then airlifted to Belfast.
Shaun said: “I know that without the services of the air ambulance and the medical team, I just wouldn’t have recovered as well as I have. Since then, I’ve been a big supporter of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and I look forward to supporting the charity in the 3 Peaks Challenge. I encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to sign up for the 3 Peaks Challenge as it’s a fantastic charity. I have been so grateful to Air Ambulance NI since my accident and I hope my support for the charity encourages others to donate and take on one of the three peaks.”
Shaun is encouraging the public to take on Slieve Donard in County Down on September 14th, as part of the 3 Peaks Challenge, which is taking place during Air Ambulance Month. Other peaks included in the challenge are Cuilcagh in County Fermanagh on 21st September and Slemish in Country Antrim on 28th September. Participants can choose one, two or three of the peaks as part of the event.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising, said: “We would like to thank Shaun for his support in encouraging people to get involved in the 3 Peaks Challenge and we are confident his support will encourage others to sign up to climb. We’re asking people from across Northern Ireland to sign up for the 3 Peaks Challenge, whether you’re new to hiking or you’ve climbed all three peaks before.
“We rely on donations from the public as it costs £2million per year to keep our vital service running. The air ambulance is a doctor and paramedic service, so it’s crucial in cases of emergency like what Shaun experienced. We can’t wait to see people from across Northern Ireland take on the three peaks for a worthy cause.”
The charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for the region and responds to seriously ill or injured patients 12 hours a day, 7 days per week. Air Ambulance NI has been tasked to more than 900 taskings since its inception in July 2017.