Few charities can say they literally save lives on a weekly basis – but the Air Ambulance in Northern Ireland is one of them.

The charity operates two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters twelve hours a day, 365 days a year – which is of vital importance, given that on average, every single day of the year two people in the province will find themselves in critical need of an air ambulance. Since the first chopper took off in 2017, more than 3,300 taskings have been flown.

The charity team aspires to raise over £2 million per year to sustain and develop the Air Ambulance service and this would not be possible without the crucial support of public and corporate donations.

‘AANI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) throughout the region. The doctors and paramedics, based just outside of Lisburn in Co Antrim, work 365 days of the year, and despite the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and increased fuel prices the service has continued to provide frontline critical care across Northern Ireland.

Reaching a medical emergency in rapid time with highly skilled clinicians can mean the difference between life and death. From roadside blood transfusions, to performing emergency surgery, to anaesthesia, the crew is specially-trained to deliver pre-hospital emergency care to both children and adults.’

Colleen Milligan, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) Business Development Manager

‘We were absolutely delighted to hear that we had been awarded a grant from Ecclesiastical through our partnership with ABL Group.’

The generous donation will go towards running costs and will help ensure the dedicated HEMS crew, who respond to emergencies on average twice per day, can continue attending potentially lifesaving missions across the province.

‘Every year we choose a charity partner and put it to a vote, and this year it was pretty much overwhelmingly in favour of the Air Ambulance – in fact, I think we are going to support it for the next two years. It’s a really essential local charity, and we’re delighted to support them through Closer to you with the support of Ecclesiastical.’

Andrea Fanning, marketing executive at ABL Group.

‘It’s a really great charity – it’s literally saving lives – and it’s a pleasure for us to be working with ABL Group to support it.

Gerard Hamilton, Strategic Account Manager for Ecclesiastical in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Visit the charity: Air Ambulance NI – Saving Lives Across Northern Ireland