Pupils from Hardy Memorial Primary School in Richhill have raised close to £7,000 for Air Ambulance NI – the highest amount the charity has ever received from a primary school.
The funds were raised by a ’90-mile challenge’ that was organised in celebration of the primary school’s 90th anniversary.
All pupils, including those of nursery age and all teachers, took part in the challenge, which involved walking and running.
Elaine Anderson, Head teacher of Hardy Memorial PS, said: “We’re so thrilled at what we have been able to achieve together as a school.
“AANI is an incredible charity that provides vital services and care to the people across Northern Ireland who may find themselves in potentially life-threatening situations and we’re so grateful to have been able to support them in this way.”
The cheque – for a fantastic £6,834.70 – was presented at Hardy Memorial PS on behalf of the charity to special visitor Allister MacSorley, an Air Ambulance patient.
Kerry Anderson, AANI Head of Fundraising, who was also present at the cheque presentation, said: “A massive thank-you to everyone at Hardy Memorial Primary School!
“We are so grateful for all the support and we are completely bowled over by the total raised. An extra special well done as well for raising the highest amount we’ve ever received from a primary school before.”
AANI is a local charity that provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland, together with partners at the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS).
The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.
This doctor/paramedic service benefits those whose lives are at serious risk following significant injury or trauma. Effectively the service brings emergency hospital care direct to the casualty.
Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £2million each year to maintain this service so public donations are crucial. If you would like to donate, organise an event or could spare some time volunteering, please contact Air Ambulance NI by email at info@airambulanceni.org or call 028 9262 2677.
