Ballymoney man Simon inspires Air Ambulance draw for a car

A Ballymoney man whose life was saved by the NI Air Ambulance has inspired a massive fundraising effort for the charity.
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Simon Osborne, who was severely injured in a road accident in 2019, is now sprearheading a huge competition to win a 2016 Volkswagen Golf R.

Tony Osborne, Simon’s father, said: “Simon is a keen motorcyclist and on January 2, 2019 he was travelling on the north coast and had a collision with a car. It was in a 30mph zone so a low speed collision but resulted in a life-threatening situation and now Simon has life changing injuries.

“Simon’s injuries included multiple fractures to his sternum, ribcage, pelvis, femur and left arm, as well as serious pelvic and internal trauma. Had it not been for the work of the Air Ambulance crew, NI Fire & Rescue Service, NI Ambulance Service, and the PSNI at the roadside and the work of the major trauma team at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Simon would not have survived his injuries. As a family we are incredibly grateful that the air ambulance HEMS team were there when our family needed them.”

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising with the charity said: “Within weeks of Simon’s accident the Osborne family established the ‘Simon Osborne Appeal’ to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI and set a six-figure fundraising goal. They are a family that don’t do things by halves, organising a series of events in 2019 including a Supercar Sunday, motorbike ride out, musical country night, community summer barbecue, collections, and numerous bag packs to name a few.

“They have already raised over £100,000 ensuring the HEMS has been there for many other families.”

Tony continued: “When Covid-19 struck it impacted our plans for a 2020 gala ball and instead we did an online competition raising over £4,000. We know the Air Ambulance is still needed twice a day, yet fundraising is hit very hard. So, we thought differently and reached out to a few contacts to help secure this fabulous car. Contributions mean the cost of the car is entirely covered. That, with the crucial support of Ryan at CM Competitions NI Ltd, means we now have a genuine opportunity to raise a lot of funds.”

Ryan from CM Competitions NI Ltd said, “What Simon and his family have been through could hit any of us, and the outcome could have been different had it not been for the air ambulance medical team. That along with the family’s strength inspires me, so I’m happy to be able to help.”

To be in with a chance of winning the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R for just £15 per ticket, go to www.cmcompetitionsni.co.uk until midnight on April 23.

The grand draw will take place at 12 noon on April 24. Net profit from ticket entries will benefit the Air Ambulance NI charity.

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