From raffle tickets to lifesaving flights: Broughshane woman’s £14k impact

Broughshane woman Norma Craig who has raised a phenomenal donation from her latest efforts for Air Ambulance NI by hosting a series of raffles at her workplace, Ballygally Castle Hotel.

A Broughshane woman’s determination to make a difference has raised more than £14,000 for Northern Ireland’s air ambulance service — and she’s not slowing down.

Since 2020, Norma Craig has raised an impressive £14,530 for Air Ambulance NI, supporting its vital role in responding to traumatic incidents and severe medical emergencies across the region.

Working in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service is accessible to anyone in need and currently responds to emergencies on average twice daily.

This year alone, Norma’s efforts generated a further £3,060.

Tribute nights turn into lifesaving support

Norma organised a series of raffles at tribute nights hosted by her workplace, the Ballygally Castle Hotel.

The events featured performances celebrating Motown, ABBA, country favourites and rock legends — but beyond the music and entertainment, they carried a deeper purpose.

Thanks to the generosity of those attending, the raffles once again delivered crucial funding for the charity’s operations.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for the charity, said:

“We are sincerely grateful for Norma’s ongoing dedication. Her years of support are truly remarkable and play a crucial role in enabling the aircraft to respond to the next critically ill or injured patient.

“As a local charity, we need to raise £3m to sustain and develop the service and we rely on community fundraising from our whole community.”

The scale of that challenge underscores just how important grassroots efforts like Norma’s remain.

A personal commitment to making a difference

Norma personally sources all raffle prizes herself — a detail that speaks to the hands-on nature of her commitment. She also expressed gratitude to General Manager Scott Weatherup and the hotel staff for their steadfast backing, with special appreciation to Jim and Alison Weatherup for their help during the raffle nights.

Norma said:

“I source all the raffle prizes myself and take great satisfaction in making such a meaningful contribution to the air ambulance service. It is lovely to be able to come up to the airbase each year with the funds that have been raised, to see the helicopter and know that I am making a difference.

“While we all hope never to need it, it’s reassuring to know it’s there for our community.”

Her words reflect a sentiment shared by many — the hope that the service is never needed personally, coupled with the reassurance that it stands ready for the community at any moment.

What’s next for Air Ambulance NI

Air Ambulance NI is continuing its fundraising drive with a series of events, including the City of Derry Airport 5k Runway Run, sponsored by H&A Group, taking place on Saturday 25 April 2026 at 8.00pm.

Registration is now open at £25 per person with a fundraising ask of £100. Further details are available at: https://airambulanceni.org/runway-run/

With emergency callouts averaging twice a day and £3 million required annually to sustain and develop the service, community support remains central to keeping the aircraft in the sky — and stories like Norma’s show how one person’s initiative can help power the next lifesaving mission.