The family of the late Emily Whinnery have supported Air Ambulance NI following her tragic passing at her home in Cookstown, Co Tyrone on 9th March 2025 at the age of fifteen months.
Friends and relatives marked the first anniversary of her passing with a charity fundraising walk at Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge in Co Antrim.
Her family were pleased to recently visit the air ambulance base and present a donation of £3,667.69 from the walk, including donations in-lieu of flowers from Emily’s funeral.
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager, said, “On behalf of the charity, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Whinnery family for their generosity in supporting Air Ambulance NI during an unimaginably difficult time, following the tragic loss of their beloved daughter, Emily. Through their kindness, they have chosen to help others in need. Their donation will support the continued provision of the helicopter emergency medical service, helping to ensure that critical care can reach those who need it most. Thank you.”
Emily’s aunt Kirsty O’Neill and her daughter Lucy, grandmother Hazel Holdsworth, mum Stacey and brother Riley present their donation at the air ambulance base.
The charity Air Ambulance NI, 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 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.
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. One of the simplest ways to support is by becoming a member of Club AANI and donating via a monthly or annual subscription. You can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.
