Omagh family raises over £18,000 for Air Ambulance NI

AN Omagh family has raised a remarkable £18,413 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in gratitude for the lifesaving service provided to their loved one.

Catherine McNamee and her family organised a series of successful fundraising events to support the charity that came to their aid after her husband, Donal McNamee, suffered a serious accident and had to be airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

“The air ambulance gave a lot to us, so we wanted to give back,” said Catherine.

Determined to show their appreciation, the McNamee family hosted a variety of community events, including two quiz nights and a bingo evening, as well as a raffle and a GoFundMe page to allow for wider contributions.

“We held a quiz night in The Weigh Inn in Omagh on March 21,” Catherine explained. “On May 10, we hosted a bingo night in St Joseph’s Hall, and on June 20, we ran another quiz night at the Necarne Arms in Irvinestown. The raffle and online donations helped bring the final total to £18,413.”

“I just can’t believe it. I was very overwhelmed when the final amount came in; it was unreal. It was also a lot of hard work, but I couldn’t have done it without the support of local businesses, the generosity of the people in the town, and, most of all, my family and friends.”

She added: “I really want to thank everyone. Without their support, we couldn’t have achieved what we did.”

The funds raised will go directly towards supporting Air Ambulance NI’s critical emergency services across Northern Ireland.