Ratheane Care Home recently celebrated its 35th Anniversary by raising vital funds for the local charity Air Ambulance NI in memory of 15-year-old Candice Tosh.

Candice tragically passed away at the age of 15 due to a road traffic collision. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) consultant and paramedic provided treatment at the scene, making the decision to divert to The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. This prompt decision is what provided the family with valuable time with Candice, allowing them time to also consider organ donation. In such difficult circumstances the family decided to proceed with organ donation, meaning a number of lives were saved in Candice’s legacy.

Candice’s aunt, Jeanette, who works at Ratheane Care Home, expressed gratitude to Air Ambulance NI for allowing the family to say goodbye to Candice. She also mentioned that Candice was able to save other lives by being an organ donor, thanks to the Air Ambulance’s assistance.

The management team at Ratheane Care Home said “We decided to fundraise for Air Ambulance NI after learning about just how much funds it takes to get the helicopter off the ground each day. Coming together to host our anniversary party in memory of Candice brought a bit of purpose to our colleague during a heartbreaking time.”

Approximately 7,500 people in the UK are currently waiting for an organ transplant. Candice’s organ donation helped to save lives, and Ratheane Care Home continued her legacy by raising an incredible £3,400 in her memory.

It costs an average of £6,850 per day to maintain the services of Air Ambulance NI. The donation will directly help other critically ill or injured patients when time is of the essence.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at the charity, added, “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who got involved in the special fundraising day to honour Candice’s memory. Your generosity and willingness to help others in the face of tragedy is humbling and will help a future patient in need of the Air Ambulance. It is only with continued support from local communities that the air ambulance service is able to continue and be there for everyone who needs it.”

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the HEMS. The service operates seven days a week for 12 hours per day, bringing urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province.

The HEMS team provides emergency pre-hospital care to seriously ill or injured patients, with the aim of saving lives, brains, and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.

On average, the medical team is called upon twice every day, responding to serious road traffic collisions, farm or workplace accidents, sport and leisure incidents, or serious medical emergencies.

Patients or families of the HEMS 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 aims to raise £2.5 million each year to maintain and sustain this service, making public donations crucial. One of the simplest ways to support is by becoming a member of Club AANI and donating via a monthly or annual subscription. Find out more by visiting www.airambulanceni.org or by contacting the charity directly via email at info@airambulanceni.org or by calling 028 9262 2677.