Air Ambulance is calling for your support - could you skydive over Garvagh?

Air Ambulance NI has organised three events for the remainder of 2023 including a skydive on September 9 at Skydive Ireland in Garvagh which costs just £99 to register.

And if that’s not appealing, there is also a Dragon Boat Race in Belfast on Friday, September 15 which is sponsored by Forestside and a Christmas-themed abseil down Belfast Castle on December 10.

Kerry Anderson, Air Ambulance Head of Fundraising said: “This year our charity aspires to raise £2.5m to sustain the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and during that time it’s expected the medics will be called approximately 700 times. Every call needs the support of the public in fundraising. Perhaps an extreme challenge like the abseil or skydive is on your bucket list or you may prefer rowing up the river lagan in a dragon boat!

"None of us know what the day ahead holds and on average for two individuals, they will need the help of the air ambulance service. It could be a serious road traffic collision, farm accident, medical emergency or sports incident, whatever the incident the medical team can be at the patients’ side in minutes. Please support your air ambulance this year."

Kerry added a little more detail about each of the events: “The Dragon Boat Race is a great opportunity to get up to 20 family, friends or work colleagues together for the day, competing with other teams and enjoying the barbecue and music from our DJ.

"For those doing the skydive you’ll be part of a team of 30 people and our charity representative will be there to encourage you for your leap at 15,000. The abseil is such a feel-good event for Christmas, 40 people will don their Christmas hats or full elf suits for this one and the views across Belfast are stunning.” For more information and to sign up now for any of the events being organised, go to www.airambulanceni.org