Ballymena United fans raise £90,000 in powerful tribute to young supporter Lydia Ross
- Love Ballymena
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
The Ross family at The Showgrounds – home of Ballymena United
A heartfelt community effort led by Ballymena United supporters has raised an extraordinary £90,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, transforming personal tragedy into a life-saving legacy.
The fundraising campaign, launched in memory of lifelong fan Lydia Ross, has united players, staff, and supporters of the Sky Blues — and even rival clubs — in a show of solidarity that continues to resonate across the Irish League.
A tribute that became a movement
The campaign began following the devastating loss of Lydia in 2023. Fellow supporters rallied around her father, Paul Ross, approaching Ballymena United with ideas to honour her memory.
What started as a simple gesture quickly grew into something far bigger.
In the days after Lydia’s passing, Paul was given a sky blue ribbon badge — reflecting the club’s colours and its long-standing anthem. Sold among fans and staff, the ribbons became a powerful symbol of remembrance and unity.
When Paul shared the initiative online, the response was immediate. Support spread beyond Ballymena, with supporters across the Northern Ireland Football League embracing the cause.
From ribbon to record-breaking kit
Paul Ross with much-loved daughter Lydia
The campaign took a defining turn when Ballymena United proposed creating a special charity kit inspired by the ribbon.
“The kit’s absolutely beautiful,” Paul said. “Of course I said yes, I would be honoured.”
The launch saw the full squad wear the shirt alongside Paul and his family — a moment that struck a chord with supporters. A portion of every sale went to Air Ambulance NI, and the shirt has since become the club’s most popular ever, with orders from as far afield as the United States and Australia.
Community effort delivers life-saving impact
Fundraising efforts have taken many forms — from quiz nights and sweet auctions to a demanding 72-hole golf marathon at Galgorm Golf Club involving well-known local sporting figures.
More recently, Paul and friends completed a 28-mile sponsored walk from Ballymena to Coleraine on match day, dubbed the ‘Derby Day Dander’. Even Coleraine’s chairman joined the full walk in a show of cross-club support.
Alongside a successful Bingo Bonanza night, those two events alone raised £40,000.
“The sky blue ribbon really caught people’s imagination,” Paul said. “People are coming to me with ideas now… the Ballymena United fans have been so brilliant. People are good. I still find it truly amazing.”
The funds raised could have a profound real-world impact.
“It costs somewhere around five or six thousand pounds to send an air ambulance up once,” Paul explained. “That’s maybe twelve or fifteen times we’ve helped to send it up… potentially twelve or fifteen lives might be saved.”
A vital service, powered by community
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland operates a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service seven days a week, responding on average twice daily to serious incidents including road traffic collisions, workplace accidents, and medical emergencies.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, praised the effort:
“Every day, our service is called upon to assist, on average, two individuals in critical need. This vital work is made possible only through the generosity and commitment of supporters like those at Ballymena United FC.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the club for their dedication to our charity… and for the meaningful tributes that have so thoughtfully commemorated Lydia.”
A moment that captured it all
For Paul, one unforgettable moment summed up the campaign’s meaning.
During the first match of the season at Glenavon — the debut of the new shirt — Ballymena midfielder Donal Rocks scored a stunning 40-yard goal. He ran straight to Paul in the stand and kissed the ribbon on the shirt.
“The sun shone,” Paul recalled. “He ran over to me and kissed the ribbon on the shirt. It felt like a sign.”
More than football
Ballymena United chairman Chris Selwood said the club’s involvement was instinctive.
“This club has always believed that football means more than just the ninety minutes,” he said. “Working with Paul to support him felt like the most natural thing in the world.
“Lydia was a loyal supporter of the club, and we’re honoured to support the Ross family with this campaign.”
What began as a small token of remembrance has become something far greater — a movement that not only honours Lydia’s memory but continues to save lives.
At a glance
Ballymena United supporters have raised approximately £90,000 for Air Ambulance NI
The campaign was launched in memory of lifelong fan Lydia Ross
It began with sky blue ribbon badges worn by supporters
A special charity football kit became the club’s most popular ever
Fundraising events included a golf marathon, quiz nights, bingo, and a 28-mile walk
Two recent events alone raised £40,000
Funds could help fund 12–15 emergency air ambulance missions
The campaign has drawn support from across the Irish League
Air Ambulance NI responds to critical incidents on average twice daily
The initiative continues to grow, with more fundraising planned