Over £6,000 has been handed over to the Air Ambulance NI thanks to visitors to this year’s annual Sham Fight celebrations in Scarva.
The Crawford family presented the proceeds of an annual fundraiser they run on the big day – the fourth time this has been done.
The family have once again shown the power of community spirit, raising an incredible £6,138 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
The event, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, provided the perfect backdrop for the traditional charity collection organised by the Crawford family in one of the main car park fields.
The initiative was made possible through the generous support of local landowner Wayne McMurray, who provided the use of his field for parking and donations.
Thanks to the kindness and generosity of visitors who contributed as they parked, an impressive £6,138 was raised during this year’s collection alone.
This marks the fourth consecutive year the Crawfords have supported Air Ambulance NI, bringing their total donations to an outstanding £23,621.52.
Speaking about the achievement, a spokesperson for the Crawford family said: “We are overwhelmed by the continued generosity of everyone who visits Scarva each July.
“Air Ambulance NI provides a vital service that benefits the whole community, and we’re honoured to play a small part in supporting their lifesaving work. None of this would be possible without the help of Wayne McMurray and the many kind-hearted people who gave so willingly.”
Bebhionn Hardy, Community Fundraising Coordinator, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support.
She said: “We are incredibly thankful to the Crawford family and all those who donated at the Scarva celebrations. Every pound raised helps the Air Ambulance deliver critical care across Northern Ireland, ensuring patients get the best possible chance of survival and recovery.”
The charity Air Ambulance NI, 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 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. 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 alternatively you can contact the charity directly by emailing info@airambulanceni.org or calling 028 9262 2677.
