ABP, which is part of ABP Food Group, has become the first brand sponsor of the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance helicopter.
Air Ambulance NI is a charity that partners with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland.
Last year, it was tasked on 692 occasions, representing an increase of 18.5% on the previous year. Road traffic, industrial or farm accidents make up most of its call-outs.
Farm accidents account for up to 10% of call-outs
Commenting on the announcement, George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland said,
“Air Ambulance NI provides a vital emergency service particularly to those living in rural and farming communities, where agricultural accidents account for up to 10% of call-outs.”
“Northern Ireland is incredibly fortunate to be home to this world-class service, which has the ability to make a real difference in critical situations. We are delighted to support the air ambulance’s essential work.”
Farm accident survivor
County Londonderry farmer, George Haslet, was a patient of Air Ambulance NI in June 2018 following a slurry accident.
George said, “I was mixing slurry when I remembered I had pet lambs in with me so went to get them out.”
“I got the first one and then have no memory. I am confident that without the quick services of the air ambulance and the fact that they were able to induce a coma at the scene, I wouldn’t be here today. They saved my life.”
‘Auction for Hope’
Meanwhile, Richard Beattie of Beattie Livestock Sales, in conjunction with online sales platform, MartEye, will host ‘Auction of Hope’, a charity fundraiser, next week.
Organisers are aiming to raise £20,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (AANI) and Cancer Fund for Children on Friday, April 16th.
The idea of came about from Air Ambulance NI’s Agribusiness Group. Its purpose is to promote and profile the work of Air Ambulance NI, while raising vital funds to help sustain the service for the people across Northern Ireland.
Air Ambulance NI needs to raise £2 million annually to maintain this service so public donations are crucial. The Covid-19 pandemic has “severely” impacted funding.
