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With an increase in callouts this year, Air Ambulance NI’s Agribusiness Group is urging the agricultural community to rally behind the charity and help keep the air ambulance in operation. The group, which is made up of agricultural enthusiasts and advocates, has been actively fundraising and raising awareness for the charity since 2020.
Speaking on behalf of the group Rathfriland farmer Barclay Bell a trustee of Air Ambulance, explains, “The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service has seen an increase on call outs this year from last year – 63 more individuals and families in need of urgent medical care. Our charity depends on public support to raise £2.5 million annually to ensure we can continue to be there when people need us most. This life-saving service is a vital resource for farmers and rural communities, where access to medical services can be challenging. The air ambulance helps to address this by saving lives, protecting brains, and preserving limbs.”
Mr Bell is past President of the Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) and actively involved with several other farming organisations.
Continuing he said, “There are lots of ways to support: Air Ambulance NI will be attending RUAS Winter Fair on 12 December and will be one of the benefiting causes for the Armagh Livingstone Tractor Run on 28th December 2024. We also encourage the rural community to reach out to their local agri representative or to the charity office on 028 9262 2677 to offer support”.
In addition to Barclay, the agri group representatives include:
- Aurelie Moralis of Castlewellan, Co Down who is a qualified vet now working in the animal health pharmaceutical industry.
- Martyn Blair from Finvoy, Co Antrim, a full-time farmer with qualifications in agricultural economics and marketing.
- Oonagh Chesney of Portglenone, Co Antrim, Company Secretary of Fane Valley Co-Op Society Ltd and all group subsidiary companies.
- James Speers, a farmer and past president of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster from Markethill, Co Armagh.
- Raymond Bready originally of Rathfriland, Co Down, now living in Donaghadee, a Key Accounts Manager for John Thompson and Sons and commentator for equestrian events across Europe.
- Libby Clarke of Magheralin, Co Armagh who is a cattle breeder, cattle judge and runs her own estate agency.
- Caroline Doyle, Ballymena, Agricultural Business Manager for Barclays Bank.
- Cheryl Veitch, Lecturer and Course Co-ordinator for Sport at South West College and with a love of horses especially Chestnut mares.
- Malachy Dolan, social farmer and Quality Systems consultant from Garrison.
Raymond Bready was born and bred on a small family farm on the Newry side of Rathfriland, Raymond started working in the animal feed industry in 1985 with Boyce Bros, Banbridge after leaving school and continues to work as a Key Accounts Manager for John Thompson and Sons, to this present day.
As well as being a dad and partner, his other passion in life is on the end of a microphone. This started in the mid 90’s at Mossvale Riding Club and then progressed to Eventing Ireland. This led on to Raymond commentating at many International events including European championships here in Ireland, Scotland and Slovakia. In recent years, Raymond is more likely to be found at Omagh, Castlewellan and Balmoral Shows where he is determined to use his voice to promote everything that is good about the Agri food industry here in Northern Ireland.
Speaking about his reasons for supporting the service, Raymond explains, “I appreciate the importance of this service for everyone, and particularly for those involved in equestrian sector. As many know, I have just completed one of life’s all time challenges, a skydive! It was a wonderful experience and I hope others will consider what they can do to help keep our air ambulance flying. Whether it is challenging yourself to take the plunge, a corporate donation at Christmas or simply to become a member by setting up a direct debit, your contribution will make a big difference.”
Aurelie Moralis from Castlewellan qualified as a vet in Belgium in 2002 and subsequently moved to Northern Ireland where she worked as a farm animal practitioner in Co. Down for 12 years. She wasn’t from a farming background but was always drawn to the country and thoroughly enjoyed the everyday challenges of farm animal practice.
In 2014, Aurelie moved to Zoetis- a global leader in the animal health pharmaceutical industry- and took on the role of Veterinary Consultant for Northern Ireland. She has since joined the Irish Livestock Team as their Marketing and Technical Manager for the Ruminant Portfolio.
Always wanting to do more for the farming and veterinary community, Aurelie joined the North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) as a Council Member and served as their President in 2019.
Speaking about her reasons for joining the group, Aurelie explained, “I am passionate about being part of the Agribusiness Air Ambulance NI fundraising group. As a vet, a mother, living on the farm and a keen hillwalker, I am very aware of the everyday dangers we are exposed to. When accidents happen on a farm, whether it is with livestock, or machinery, time is often of the essence, which is why we must keep the Air Ambulance flying.
James Speers From Markethill James is a former President of the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster (YFCU), active member of the Collone YFC, Ambassador for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, farmer and former Farm Quality Assurance Inspector.
James got involved with Air Ambulance NI when he got elected as YFCU President in 2017. Here he committed his two-year term as president to raise money for the charity and was extremely pleased that the YFCU members throughout NI supported him greatly and provided ongoing support. James then hosted his own barn dance in September 2018 on his home farm that attracted over 1200 people dancing the night away to Richie Remo. Total raised from his tenure as president and donated to Air Ambulance NI was £33,723.75. “For me Air Ambulance NI is a lifesaving service that helps everyone across Northern Ireland. It’s important that we all remember our Air Ambulance from time to time, if everyone does a little to help, that helps save lives.”
The very first call out of Air Ambulance was to a farming incident and farming and agricultural incidents account for up to 11% of call outs. This includes accidents involving farm machinery, slurry or cattle. Unfortunately, on average, there is a farming call every week.
Other ways to support include organising a tractor run or coffee morning, quiz or collection. The charity also encourages individuals to become a member by registering a monthly direct debit as a Club Member – you can do that here: https://airambulanceni.org/club-aani-membership/
Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides life-saving care to critically ill and injured patients across the region. With an average of two callouts per day, the service is often the critical difference between life and death. For more information on how you can support this essential service, please visit www.airambulanceni.org
