Mayor Gordon Announces Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support as Mayoral Charities

Mid and East Antrim Mayor, Alderman Thomas Gordon, has announced Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support as his official Mayoral Charities for his term in office. Fundraising events and awareness campaigns will take place throughout the year to support emergency medical care and rural wellbeing services across Northern Ireland.

Mayoral Charities Announced for Mid and East Antrim

The newly appointed Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, has chosen Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support as his official Mayoral Charities.

The two charities provide vital services across Northern Ireland, including emergency medical care, rural wellbeing support, and guidance for farming families.

Throughout the Mayor’s term, a series of fundraising events and community initiatives will be held to raise money and awareness for both organisations.

Residents can find out more or donate through the official Mayor’s Charity page.

Mayor Gordon Highlights the Importance of Both Charities

Mayor Gordon said it was a privilege to support charities that make a real difference to people across Mid and East Antrim and the wider region.

He said many people will have seen the air ambulance in the sky, adding that while it can create mixed emotions, its presence means someone is receiving critical emergency care.

Air Ambulance NI provides pre-hospital care at the scene of major trauma. This can include road traffic collisions, agricultural accidents, falls, sporting incidents, domestic emergencies and workplace accidents.

Mayor Gordon also highlighted the importance of Rural Support, particularly because Mid and East Antrim has a large rural population.

He said the charity provides important services to improve the mental wellbeing of farmers and farming families, reduce isolation and loneliness, and offer business guidance during difficult times.

Air Ambulance NI Provides Lifesaving Emergency Care

Air Ambulance NI works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to deliver the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland.

The service operates 365 days a year for up to 12 hours each day. Its helicopter carries a pilot, doctor and paramedic, allowing the medical team to bring critical care directly to patients at the scene.

On average, two people in Northern Ireland require the support of Air Ambulance NI every day.

Breige Mulholland, Head of Finance and Operations at Air Ambulance NI, said the charity was delighted to be selected as one of the Mayor’s chosen charities.

She said the funds raised will directly benefit people in critical need of pre-hospital care and added that the partnership will help save lives in local communities.

Rural Support Helps Farmers and Farming Families

Rural Support provides free and confidential advice, mentoring and wellbeing support for farmers and farming families across Northern Ireland.

The charity offers help with:

• Farm business management
• Financial pressures
• Bereavement
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Succession planning
• Stress management
• Isolation and loneliness
• Family and community resilience

The organisation also promotes social initiatives, including farm-related health checks and programmes designed to support family unity in farming communities.

Samantha Booysen, Director of Operations at Rural Support, said the charity was honoured to be chosen by Mayor Gordon.

She said the partnership with Air Ambulance NI was fitting, as Air Ambulance NI is often first on the scene during an emergency, while Rural Support can help families cope in the months and years afterwards.

How to Support the Mayor’s Charities

Members of the public will be able to support the Mayor’s Charities through events, fundraising activities and online donations during the year.

Donations can be made through the official Mid and East Antrim Mayor’s Charity page.

You can also learn more about the work of each charity by visiting:

• Air Ambulance NI
• Rural Support
• Northern Ireland Ambulance Service Air Ambulance information

A Year of Fundraising and Awareness

The Mayor’s support for Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support will help raise awareness of two services that play a major role in communities across Northern Ireland.

From emergency trauma care to long-term rural wellbeing support, both charities provide practical help when people need it most.

Residents, businesses and community groups across Mid and East Antrim are being encouraged to support fundraising efforts throughout the Mayor’s term.

Call to action: To donate or find out more, visit the official Mayor’s Charity page.