Larne woman turns 90th birthday into lifesaving support for Air Ambulance NI

(L-R): Kerry Anderson (Head of Fundraising Air Ambulance NI), Jean Penney, Tristan Penney (Jean’s Grandson).

A Larne woman has marked her 90th birthday by helping to keep a vital emergency service in the air — asking family and friends to support Air Ambulance NI instead of buying her gifts.

Jean Penney chose the charity because of her family’s farming connections and her understanding of how quickly a serious accident can happen in a rural setting.

Farming-related incidents account for an average of one Air Ambulance NI call-out every week, with specialist medical teams able to bring critical care directly to patients when every minute matters.

‘I didn’t need gifts’

Explaining her decision, Jean said:

“Having farming connections, we know how quickly accidents can happen and how important it is to have specialist emergency care available when it is needed most.

“I didn’t need gifts and I felt that asking for donations to Air Ambulance NI instead of birthday gifts was a meaningful way to mark my 90th birthday and help support this lifesaving service.”

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to deliver the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service across Northern Ireland.

The service responds to around 60 call-outs every month, bringing consultant-led emergency care to people who are seriously ill or injured.

Farm accidents highlight importance of service

The charity’s first patient was Conor, a young boy from Newcastle who was injured in a farm-related incident and has since made a full recovery.

Earlier this year, cattle trader Tommy Bowen, from Castlecaulfield in County Tyrone, also praised Air Ambulance NI and the emergency services after surviving a bull attack in 2025.

Jean’s birthday gesture will help support a service that must raise £8,200 every day to remain operational throughout the year.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Jean for choosing to support Air Ambulance NI as part of such a special birthday celebration.

“Donations in lieu of gifts are a thoughtful and lasting way to help ensure the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service can continue to be there for people across Northern Ireland when they need it most.”

Supporting Air Ambulance NI

People celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, weddings or other milestones can follow Jean’s example by requesting charitable donations instead of gifts.

Further information about supporting Air Ambulance NI or arranging donations in lieu of gifts is available here.

The charity’s fundraising team can also be contacted on 028 9262 2677.

Jean’s decision means her milestone birthday will leave a lasting legacy — helping specialist medical teams reach people facing some of the most serious emergencies anywhere in Northern Ireland.