Ballymena Bingo Music Bonanza raises over £20,000 for Air Ambulance in memory of two young women

A powerful night of remembrance, music and community spirit in Ballymena has raised more than £20,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, with a special fundraising event held in memory of two young women whose lives were tragically cut short.

The Bingo Music Bonanza, hosted at the Tullyglass Hotel, brought together hundreds of supporters for an emotional evening dedicated to Naomi Lynn and Lydia Ross, who both died in separate car accidents.

Organised by Ritchie Entertainments, the event combined lively music bingo, entertainment and heartfelt tributes — all while raising vital funds for the life-saving emergency service.

A night inspired by family and friendship

Opening the event, organiser Mark Ritchie explained the deeply personal story behind the fundraiser.

The Bingo Music Bonanza was originally created following the loss of his late father, with the first event held on 2 March 2025.

This year, Mark and his brother Paul Ritchie decided to bring the event back to support two close friends, Bryan Lynn and Paul Ross, who have both endured the devastating loss of their daughters.

The evening was held in loving memory of Naomi Lynn and Lydia Ross, with organisers and attendees united in both remembrance and support.

Both fathers have already raised significant funds for the Air Ambulance charity, and organisers chose the service as the beneficiary once again, ensuring every pound raised continues to support emergency medical care across Northern Ireland.

Emotional tributes before a night of celebration

The evening began with a moving tribute to Naomi and Lydia, creating a moment of reflection before the entertainment began.

From there, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration and community spirit as the music bingo got underway.

Guests enjoyed a lively programme of entertainment, laughter and sing-along moments, with the crowd fully embracing the high-energy format that has made the event so popular.

A special highlight of the night saw local personality Glenn Wilkinson take to the stage for one of the bingo rounds, bringing his own unique style to the event.

Later in the evening, Pete Snodden kept the crowd on their feet with a DJ set that brought the night to an energetic close.

Community generosity raises vital funds

Thanks to the generosity of those who attended, donated or supported the event in any way, organisers estimate that more than £20,000 has been raised for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Mark Ritchie expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in making the evening possible.

He said:

“I would just like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who supported the event in any way, shape or form. Whether you attended, donated, helped organise, or spread the word — it simply wouldn’t be possible without you.”

The funds will go directly to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, a vital emergency service providing rapid response medical care to people across the region.

A growing legacy of fundraising

The latest event adds to a growing legacy of community fundraising by the organisers. Since 2020, a total of £65,000 has been raised through their charity efforts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, £27,000 was raised in support of the NHS, while the Bingo Music Bonanza events alone have now raised £38,000 for charity causes.

Remembering two lives through community support

While the evening was filled with music and celebration, the heart of the event remained firmly focused on remembering Naomi Lynn and Lydia Ross.

Through shared memories, laughter and generosity, the Ballymena community once again demonstrated its ability to come together in difficult circumstances — turning loss into meaningful support for a life-saving cause.

At a glance

• The Bingo Music Bonanza fundraiser was held at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena.

• The event honoured the memory of Naomi Lynn and Lydia Ross, who died in separate car accidents.

• Organised by Mark and Paul Ritchie of Ritchie Entertainments.

• The night began with a tribute to both young women before music bingo and entertainment.

• Special guests included Glenn Wilkinson and Pete Snodden, who performed a DJ set.

• The fundraiser supported Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

• Organisers estimate over £20,000 was raised on the night.

• The event was inspired by the Ritchie family’s original fundraiser created in memory of their late father.

• Local supporters, donors and volunteers helped make the night a major success.