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HomeFarming NewsFarmer gives back to the air ambulance that saved his life
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Farmer gives back to the air ambulance that saved his life

William Hutchinson from Desertmartin visited the air ambulance base in Lisburn in January 2023 in a different set of circumstances from those he faced back two years when the helicopter and medics came to his aid following a farming accident.

It was a September day, and William was using the tractor when it rolled on top of him, causing severe pelvis and arm injuries.

Somehow, William remained conscious to call 999 and soon, the air ambulance and clinicians were by his side, providing the critical care he needed. William was flown by air to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

NI Air Ambulance

He said:

“I will always be grateful for the treatment from the air ambulance doctor and paramedic and the pilot who flew me swiftly for onward care. “

“Also, I owe thanks to Dr Spence and the entire team in the hospital; I have made a remarkable recovery and am back to farming”.

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William wanted to “give something back” to the charity Air Ambulance NI which deliver the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.

He settled on a cycle from Desertmartin to Portstewart, setting up a JustGiving fundraising page and organising a collection.

The fundraising from family, friends and the community at large were “overwhelming”, raising a phenomenal £15,500 for the charity, enough to fund the service for almost three days.

Anderson

Kerry Anderson from the charity said:

“It is so touching to think that someone else funded the service when it was needed for William, and now he and his family and friends’ have done the same for so many future patients.”

“The clinical team are needed on average twice per day, and each day over £5,500 is required to sustain the HEMS.”

“We owe massive thanks to William and his wife Linda, their family, friends and everyone who contributed to this fabulous total.”

The HEMS brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day.

It can get to anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes attending to patients who are seriously ill or injured, with the aim of saving lives, brains, and limbs.

£2 million each year

Air Ambulance NI aspires to raise £2 million each year to sustain this service, so “public support is crucial”.

There are many ways to support, including taking in part of the Mash Direct Belfast City Marathon on April 30th, 2023, or volunteering in your area.

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