Holy Trinity College, Cookstown, marked the opening of its new school building with a heartwarming Big Breakfast fundraiser in support of Air Ambulance NI.

The event, held earlier this year, brought together staff, students, families, and the local community.

The school’s dedicated catering team, led by Catering Manager Jessica McCrea and supported by cooks Rebecca Cahill, Cathy Cahill, Lorna Shirlow, and catering assistants Pauline McGarrity, Margaret Brennan, Orla Montgomery, Petula Patterson, Bridie Monica, Olga Senckyz, Bernie Duffin, Clare Lavery, and Karen Toner, opened the doors to the brand new canteen.

The Education Authority generously gifted food and drink for the guests who enjoyed tea, coffee, and a delicious breakfast spread in exchange for a small donation to Air Ambulance NI.

Pictured, from left, Gary Lennon, Isobel Russell, Cathy Cahill, Rebecca Cahill, Jessica McCrea, Pauline McGarrity, Margaret Brennan, Lorna Shirlow, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI Katrina Hughes. Credit: Supplied

placeholder image — Pictured, from left, Gary Lennon, Isobel Russell, Cathy Cahill, Rebecca Cahill, Jessica McCrea, Pauline McGarrity, Margaret Brennan, Lorna Shirlow, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI Katrina Hughes. Credit: Supplied

The event raised an impressive £1,022.77 for the life-saving charity.

Principal Mrs. Russell said, “We are incredibly proud of our school community for coming together to support such a vital cause. The generosity and spirit shown by our staff, students, and families is inspiring, and we are delighted to contribute to the ongoing work of Air Ambulance NI. Special thanks go to Gary Lennon, foreman for Felix O’Hare construction company, whose encouragement and enthusiasm brought even more people to support the event.”

The event’s success was a testament to partnership and community spirit, with special appreciation to all who contributed their time and effort.

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The charity Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland. The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The HEMS team attend patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. The aircraft can reach anywhere in the province within twenty-five minutes.

Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to Holy Trinity College, their catering team, and everyone who supported this wonderful fundraiser. Every pound raised helps us continue delivering critical pre-hospital care across Northern Ireland. With a daily fundraising need of £8,200 to keep the service operational, community support is vital to keep the Air Ambulance flying. It’s not just the medical team who save lives, but the people like you who support our service.”

As Christmas approaches, Air Ambulance NI is appealing to the public to help keep this vital service flying through the festive season and beyond.

Here are four ways you can help save lives this December:

Host a Festive Fundraiser: Organise a Christmas Jumper Day, quiz night, bake sale, or carol singing event—every pound raised keeps the helicopter flying.

Become a Member: Gift a membership for as little as £2 a week and receive a gold pin badge, welcome pack, regular updates, and an annual invitation to a members’ get-together.

Buy Air Ambulance NI Christmas Gifts or Cards: Shop local with festive cards, travel mugs, and gifts from the online shop, or send e-cards and donate what you save.

Spread the Word: Talk about the air ambulance in your community, club, or church, and help raise awareness of its vital role.