Millisle Beach will once again welcome swimmers, supporters, and friends as Dash for Dougie returns—this year in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Organized by Kim Armstrong, the event is a heartfelt tribute to her son, Steven Dugan, who sadly passed away in 2022. In his memory, the community will come together on Sunday, 22nd June at 3 PM to brave the waters, honor Steven’s legacy, and raise vital funds for the Air Ambulance NI, ensuring the service can continue its lifesaving missions.
Swimmers of all experience levels are welcome to take part in the dash, while family, friends, and supporters can join for refreshments and encouragement along the shore.
Kim said ‘This year in Steven’s memory our Dash for Dougie falls on what would have been his 36th birthday. Air Ambulance is a charity i do some volunteering with and none of us know when we will need them, so please come along or put a wee donation on our fundraising page, in memory of my beautiful son.’
Grace Williams, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI said, “Dash for Dougie is about more than just the swim—it’s a moment to come together, remember Steven, and make a meaningful impact.
Our thanks to our friend and volunteer Kim, her family and friends for their tremendous support for Air Ambulance NI – this is a beautiful way to remember Steven on what would have been his 36th Birthday.
We are truly inspired by Kim’s amazing fundraising efforts and we would encourage people to support her in any way they can – Kim Armstrong is fundraising for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day to help people like Hannah Babe, who needed the air ambulance after she was involved in a Road Traffic Collision in 2020. Thankfully she has made a great recovery and is now a volunteer the charity.
As Kim said, none of us know who may need the service tomorrow and donations are essential to keep the team flying saving lives, brains and limbs in the region. Every single donation, makes a real difference in saving lives, so why not make a splash and join Kim, family and friends on Sunday 22nd June!’
The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day.
The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.
Since the service was formed in 2017, the team have been tasked on more than 4553 occasions to incidents of serious trauma or medical emergency, which is an average of 2 calls per day.
Its costs almost £7,000 a day to sustain this life saving service here in Northern Ireland, which means the charity needs to raise £2.5million annually.
Further information on the charity can be found by visiting www.airambulanceni.org alternatively you can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.