Silverbay Caravan Park in Cloughey has proudly announced that its community fundraising efforts throughout 2025 have raised an incredible £23,800 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. This generous contribution is enough to fund three full days of lifesaving care, potentially making a difference to six patients.
The fundraising success is thanks to a series of events hosted at the park and support from Ardminnan Golf Club, Cloughey FC, and Kiffy’s Golf Society. A range of events were held including a family fun day, Halloween fancy dress night, quizzes, raffles and much more. These activities brought together residents of the caravan park and visitors in support of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service which is needed by someone in our community on average twice per day.
Amanda and Mark Gowan, owners of Silverbay Caravan Park, commented:
“We are delighted to see the incredible generosity and enthusiasm from our residents and community. Supporting Air Ambulance NI is something we all feel passionate about, particularly as we live in a rural location, and this achievement reflects the strength of our community spirit. A huge shout out to all the community and local businesses who helped achieve this!”
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, added:
“Silverbay Caravan Park’s ongoing support is outstanding—now in its fourth year. Mark and Amanda’s generous commitment includes waiving annual fees for a lucky raffle winner. Karen has been creative in organizing events, and the owners consistently contribute to every function and raffle. Thanks to Eileen for her knitted raffle creations, to Ardminnan Golf Club, Cloughey FC, and Kiffy’s Golf Society and to everyone who has helped; your efforts save lives across Northern Ireland, and we greatly appreciate them.”
The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service 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.
On average the medical team are called upon twice every day, whether that is as a result of 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.