Ballymena adventurer takes to the skies in daring wing walk for Air Ambulance NI

Ballymena’s own Jack Mitchell has quite literally taken fundraising to new heights after completing a daring aeroplane wing walk to raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (NI).

On October 4th, Jack travelled to Bristol to take on the bucket-list challenge with AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, experiencing the thrill of being strapped to the top of a flying aircraft for a breathtaking ten-minute flight.

Despite stormy weather and challenging winds, Jack’s adventure went ahead as planned — just in time, as all wing walks were cancelled for the following two days due to worsening conditions.

Jack said the experience was both exhilarating and nerve-racking.

“You never know when you might need it,” he said of the service.

“It was the perfect fit for my aviation-themed challenge, and as someone who wants to become a pilot and trains at Newtownards Airfield, it means a lot to support the team that saves lives every day.”

First-Ever Wing Walker for Air Ambulance NI

Jack’s impressive efforts have made a real impact, raising enough to fund half a day of Air Ambulance NI’s vital operations. On average, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) responds to two people each day, meaning Jack’s contribution could help cover the cost of a critical life-saving mission.

Incredibly, Jack is also the first person ever to complete a wing walk in aid of Air Ambulance NI — setting a high-flying example for future fundraisers.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, praised Jack’s courage and generosity:

“We are absolutely thrilled by Jack’s incredible commitment and bravery in taking on such a daring challenge. Every single fundraiser makes a real difference, but to see someone go above and beyond—literally—to help keep our helicopter flying is truly inspiring.

“Jack’s efforts will directly help us deliver emergency care to people across Northern Ireland that could mean the difference between life and death.

“On behalf of everyone at Air Ambulance NI, thank you, Jack, for being our first ever wing walker fundraiser! We are so grateful for your support.”

Supporting Life-Saving Work Across Northern Ireland

Air Ambulance NI operates in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), providing critical pre-hospital care across the region. The service can reach any part of Northern Ireland within just 25 minutes, responding to around two emergencies every day.

To remain operational, the charity relies entirely on public donations, requiring £8,200 per day to keep the helicopter in the air. Fundraising initiatives like Jack’s remarkable flight play a crucial role in ensuring that vital emergency support remains available to everyone, wherever it’s needed.