Education Authority selects Air Ambulance NI as its first Charity of the Year

Air Ambulance NI chosen as EA’s first Charity of the Year by staff, Ciaran McKenna, Air Ambulance Doctor is pictured with Richard Pengelly, EA CEO

The Education Authority (EA) has announced Air Ambulance Northern Ireland as its Charity of the Year for 2025–26, launching a staff-led fundraising campaign to support the lifesaving service.

The initiative, unveiled at the Air Ambulance NI air base, will see EA staff across Northern Ireland raise funds and awareness to help sustain the critical pre-hospital care provided by the charity.

Richard Pengelly, Chief Executive of the Education Authority, said:

“Air Ambulance NI has been chosen as EA’s first Charity of the Year by staff. This important charity serves everyone in Northern Ireland and we in EA are delighted to be able to support its vital work.”

Pictured at EA’s staff-led Charity of the Year 25/26 launch which will focus on fundraising and awareness campaigns to support Air Ambulance NI

is Cailean Campbell, Air Ambulance Pilot; Paul Burn Head of Health, Wellbeing & Attendance; Aoife O’Neill EA Health & Wellbeing Project Manager; Damien McAnespie, AANI Area Fundraising Manager and Ciaran McKenna, Air Ambulance Doctor.

Air Ambulance NI, which responds to trauma incidents across the region, requires £8,200 every day to remain operational. The charity’s helicopter carries a team made up of a pilot, doctor, and paramedic, operating 365 days a year for twelve hours a day.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, expressed her gratitude:

“We want to say a massive thank you from everyone at Air Ambulance NI charity. We are very grateful to have the Education Authority onboard, and their support is making a huge difference in helping to save lives, brains and limbs.”

She added:

“On average, Air Ambulance is in service twice a day and it takes £8,200 per day in fundraising to keep the service operational.”

Pictured at Air Ambulance NI airbase for the launch of EA’s Charity of the Year 25/26 is EA CEO Richard Pengelly and Kerry Anderson Air Ambulance NI Head of Fundraising marking the start of fundraising activities throughout 2025-26

Pictured beside an Air Ambulance’s charity’s operational helicopter is Richard Pengelly, EA CEO and Cailean Campbell, Air Ambulance Pilot.

The Education Authority hopes the campaign will encourage more people to learn about the crucial role played by Air Ambulance NI and to contribute to its ongoing funding needs.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can visit EA’s JustGiving page or contact the charity team directly at charity@eani.org.uk.