Air Ambulance NI is official NW200 charity in 2018

Former Vauxhall International North West 200 race winner, Jeremy McWilliams joins Event Director, Mervyn Whyte and Air Ambulance NI Chairman, Ian Crowe to announce the selection of AANI as the race festival's chosen charity for 2018. Also included are pilot, Richard Steele and Paramedic, Stuart Stevenson.

Providing the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland together with its partners at Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, AANI has enjoyed a close relationship with the north coast road race as the event’s designated charity since 2016.

NW200 Event Director Mervyn Whyte said: “We are delighted to be continuing our association with the Air Ambulance NI as we know it is a service close to the hearts of race fans.

“The helicopter can get anywhere in the Province in approximately 25 minutes, allowing the consultant doctor and paramedic onboard to provide emergency pre-hospital care seven days a week for 12 hours a day.

“The service has been tasked 199 times since it was introduced, attending some of the most traumatic medical incidents in the region and we want to continue to help provide funding and support through our race for this vital service.”

Ian Crowe, AANI Chairman, said fundraising for the service would take place during race week at the North West, which takes place from May 15-19.

“Serious or life-threatening situations can happen to anyone at any time and we are dedicated to delivering the very best possible pre-hospital care, which is why we’ll be providing helicopter provision on site at the North West 200 event,” he said.

“We’ll also be fundraising throughout race week including the sale of merchandise and collecting donations. Each day we need to raise in the region of £5,500 to keep the service operational so public support is crucial.

“I urge anyone who is interested in fundraising or volunteering at the NW200 to give us a call on 028 9262 2677.”