Year-long beard growing campaign raises £4k for Air Ambulance NI

Brian Duddy from D&M Farm Services in Eglinton, Co. Derry has raised almost £4,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland by growing a beard for a year.

Brian started growing the beard following a joke at work and then a customer said he should do it for charity, suggesting Air Ambulance as they do so much for the farming community.

According to Air Ambulance, Brian’s colleague, Jordan set up a JustGiving Page and “everyone was blown away with the donations and support that came along”.

Brian said: “Growing the beard wasn’t too hard and it’s great to know the funds will help the doctor and paramedic reach the next patient in the helicopter.”

Air Ambulance

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), continues to deliver vital helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) across Northern Ireland.

With the Air Ambulance team tasked on average twice daily to the most critically ill and injured patients, every donation directly contributes to the organisation’s rapid response in emergencies.

The service can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland within 25 minutes and is airborne within five minutes of receiving an emergency call.

The service relies on £8,200 in daily fundraising to sustain operations.

Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising for Air Ambulance NI; with Brian Duddy and Jordan Rankin from D&M Farm Services, Eglinton

Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, expressed her gratitude, saying: “We are so thankful to Brian and all who supported him in his beard growing challenge.

“The farm community are great supporters of our service and value the potentially life-saving care it can bring, if the worst happens.

“Your support ensures our medical team can continue to reach those most in need, saving lives, brains, and limbs right across Northern Ireland.”

The charity will be taking part in a range of events this year, including the City of Derry Airport 5k Runway Run, sponsored by H&A Group on Saturday, April 25.

This event is open to walkers as well as runners.

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