Incredible £15,000 raised for Air Ambulance NI at 2025 Armoy Races by Simon Osborne Appeal

The Simon Osborne Air Ambulance NI Appeal has celebrated a remarkable fundraising milestone at this year’s Armoy Races, raising £15,093.49 to support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (NI).

The money, collected through bucket collections and raffle ticket sales during race week, will fund almost two full days of the charity’s life-saving operations across the region.

The achievement was made possible thanks to the combined efforts of Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, the Simon Osborne Appeal, volunteers from Air Ambulance NI and the generosity of local businesses and supporters, including The Bayview Hotel, The Armada Bar and Restaurant, Brap Moto and Trison McMullan Racing.

Air Ambulance NI provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). Operating 12 hours a day, the medical team can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland within 25 minutes, responding to an average of two emergencies daily.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, expressed gratitude for the outstanding community backing:

“We are deeply grateful to the Simon Osborne Appeal, the Osborne family, and everyone involved in the 2025 Armoy Races fundraising. The generosity of the local community and the hard work of volunteers and sponsors have a direct impact on our ability to save lives.

“This incredible sum will fund nearly two full days of our Helicopter Emergency Medical Service—time that can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need.”

Tony Osborne, speaking on behalf of the Simon Osborne Appeal Committee, echoed that appreciation:

“Our family knows first-hand the vital role Air Ambulance NI plays. The support from the Armoy Races community has been outstanding, and we are thrilled to give back to the service that helped save Simon’s life. We thank everyone who donated, volunteered, and contributed to this year’s amazing result.”

The Simon Osborne Air Ambulance Appeal was founded in 2019 by the Osborne family from Ballymoney after Simon’s life was saved following a serious motorcycle accident.

Since then, the family has raised thousands of pounds to help sustain Air Ambulance NI’s life-saving work.

Supporters who wish to contribute further can join Club AANI, the charity’s membership programme, by visiting www.airambulanceni.org/club-aani-membership.