A record charity fundraising figure from this years’ Shanes Castle Steam Rally has just been announced of £11,000 which will benefit future patients of the air ambulance service locally.
The £11,000 will enable the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) to reach three future patients who are critically ill or injured. Funds were raised through a charity stand at the event, bucket donations and contributions from the committee and exhibitors.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising with the charity:
“Whilst none of us know who will need the service next, it’s there for any one of us 365 days of the year. It could be a serious road traffic accident, farm incident or medical emergency, once arrived on scene the doctor and paramedic teams’ care and interventions can mean the difference between life and death. Quite literally, the HEMS brings the hospital to the scene of the patient.
"Each potentially lifesaving mission requires fundraising of almost £3,500, this event has funded three missions. We owe huge thanks to the organising committee, the Osborne volunteer family who led the fundraising and all those who donated.”
The charity volunteers who lead the event are the Osborne family from Ballymoney who have supported the charity from 2019 when their son had a serious RTC with life changing injuries.
Tony Osborne, Simon’s father commented,:
“My son needed the service, and it could be any one of us. Thanks to the Shanes Castle Steam Rally committee for their continued support and to everyone who donated for helping to save lives.”
The Shanes Castle Steam Rally is held annually in the beautiful, picturesque grounds surrounding the ruins of the old castle in Shanes Castle Estate near Antrim. It I s one o the biggest and best organised vintage events in Ireland with approximately 18,000 attendees over the two days.
Walter McNeil from Shanes Castle Steam Rally said:
“It’s so satisfying to know that our event is able to make such a difference to local people here who need the air ambulance.”
The Shanes Castle Steam Rally will be back in 2024 on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th May.
For more information go to the website:
For further ways to support Air Ambulance NI please see the website www.airambulanceni.org which has details of upcoming events including a skydive in September, two abseils, and new for this summer, ‘Miles for Missions’ where you can choose a physical activity goal of your choice and raise funds in one month. The charity team will also be delighted to hear from you on 028 9262 2677.