Air Ambulance NI charity motorbike run to be held in memory of Ballinascreen biker Aidan Clarkin

A charity motorbike run is due to take place on May 19 in memory of County Derry motorcyclist, Aidan Clarkin, who sadly lost his life, following a collision on the Lisnamuck Road, Tobermore on May 5 2023.

Aidan Clarkin, known by friends and family as Aidy, was a true bike lover, from travelling to Spain to take part in racing events, and to Germany to take part in a tour with his biking friends, Aidy enjoyed sharing the beautiful sights with those he loved back home.

The Ballinasreen man's passion was his bikes, even including his dog Diesel out on family bike days and organising special trips and making valuable memories with family and friends which will be cherished forever.

Organised by The Sperrin Bikers RC and Aidy’s sister Louise Donnelly to raise vital funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, the run is planned to set off from Main Street, Draperstown, covering Maghera, Castledawson, Ballymena, Armoy, Ballycastle, Portrush, Garvagh and ends with a return to Draperstown.

The Sperrin Bikers RC raised £5,687 last year through a fundraiser.

His sister, Louise, looks forward to the event saying: “I’m nearly a year into being on the bike myself so I could be a part of these events in memory of Aidy, it means so much and The Sperrin Bikers RC have really looked after me.”

The Sperrin Bikers RC hosted a run last year in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, raising an amazing £5,687 to help fund the vital service.

The charity Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland.  The service brings urgent medical assistance attending to patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs.  Air Ambulance operates seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes. On average, the doctor and paramedic team are tasked twice a day whether that is as a result of a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency, to name a few. 

Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager, commented on the upcoming event, saying: "We're incredibly grateful for the continued support from The Sperrin Bikers RC, it is something we never take for granted. It costs nearly £7,000 a day to maintain the service, and every penny raised makes a difference. We’re looking forward to another successful event for the Sperrin Bikers and would ask anyone who can to come out and support however they can.”

The charity aspires to raise £2.5m per year through continued public support, to ensure that the service continues to be there for everyone and that is why support for these amazing community events are vital.  

If you would like to find out more about how you can support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland,  please contact the team on 028 9262 2677 or email info@airambulanceni.org