Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has extended a heartfelt thanks to four students from Markethill High School who have raised an impressive £1,150 for the charity through their participation in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.
The students’ creative fundraising initiative, a cookbook featuring beef recipes, captured the spirit of their community while supporting the life-saving work of Air Ambulance NI. As part of their project, the team also had the opportunity to visit the charity’s operational helicopter base, where they learned more about how their donation will help to fund the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is a prestigious agri-skills competition that gives young people practical experience in farming, business, and sustainability. Each team rears a mini-herd of Angus calves with guidance from CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) mentors and completes a project exploring key issues in the agri-food sector.
Speaking about the Markethill students’ achievement, Bebhionn Hardy, Community Fundraising Coordinator at Air Ambulance NI, said:
“We are truly inspired by the enthusiasm and generosity shown by the students from Markethill High School. Their fundraising through the ABP Angus Youth Challenge demonstrates real community spirit and compassion for others. Every pound they raised helps the medical team continue delivering critical care to patients across Northern Ireland. We were delighted to welcome them to our base and show them the direct impact of their incredible efforts.”
Through the challenge, the students have developed valuable skills in sustainability, teamwork, digital storytelling, and project management. Skills that will serve them well in future studies and careers.
Teacher in Markethill High School, Charlotte Winter added:
“We’re immensely proud of our students for their creativity and drive throughout this competition. Their fundraising for Air Ambulance NI reflects their strong sense of community and responsibility, and we’re grateful to see them recognised for such meaningful work.”
The charity Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the 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 the province within twenty-five minutes.
On average the medical team are called upon twice every day, whether that to a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency.
Any patients or families who have been touched by the work of the Air Ambulance are welcome to visit the airbase and should get in touch with Air Ambulance NI by calling 028 9262 2677.
As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £3 million each year to maintain and sustain this service so public donations are crucial
