The Crawford family have once again demonstrated the incredible power of community spirit, raising an outstanding £7,247 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland during the annual 13th July celebrations in Scarva.
The event, which attracts 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 once again 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 £7,247 was raised during this year’s collection alone. This marks the fifth consecutive year the Crawford family have supported Air Ambulance NI, bringing their total donations to an incredible £30,868.52.
Speaking about the achievement, The Crawford family said: “We are overwhelmed by the continued generosity of everyone who visits Scarva each July. To raise £7,247 this year is an incredible achievement and is a testament to the kindness and community spirit of everyone who contributed. Air Ambulance NI provides a vital service that benefits people and communities right across Northern Ireland, and we are honoured to play a small part in supporting their lifesaving work. None of this would be possible without the continued support of Wayne McMurray and, of course, the many kind-hearted people who gave so willingly.”
Bebhionn Hardy, Community Fundraising Coordinator, expressed her gratitude for the continued support: “We are incredibly thankful to the Crawford family, Wayne McMurray and everyone who donated at the Scarva celebrations. Their continued support over the past five years has made a real difference. Every pound raised helps us deliver critical pre-hospital care across Northern Ireland, giving patients the best possible chance of survival and recovery. We are so grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s collection such a fantastic success.”
The charity Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the 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.
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.
