Derry celebrates first-ever Air Ambulance NI and City of Derry Airport Runway Run

PICTURED ABOVE: (L-R) Erin McFeely and Gabrielle Mullan from event sponsor, Alchemy Techs, participant prize draw winners Lisa Houston and Lisa McGeady, Tracy Duffy Airport Security Manager City of Derry Airport, Katrina Hughes Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, Steve Frazer Managing Director City of Derry Airport, previous HEMS patient Damien Keys and wife Sharon Keys, Hannah Sheilds and Samuel Mc Ananey of City of Derry Spartans.

Taking place against the stunning sunset backdrop of the Sperrin and Binevenagh mountains, Inishowen and River Foyle, over 250 participants took part in the unique 5k run along the runway at City of Derry Airport, with each person receiving an Air Ambulance NI running top and bespoke medal.

Runners and walkers completed the 5k in high spirits with great camaraderie, knowing that collectively, they were helping to save lives across Northern Ireland by raising vital funds for charity, Air Ambulance NI. The unique 5k running event, raised a fantastic £15,000 supporting the life-saving work of Air Ambulance NI, funding the service for over two days and potentially saving the lives of four individuals,

Steve Frazer, Managing Director for City of Derry Airport, spoke of the event: "We are so proud to be host to this fantastic event for a local cause that means so much to all of the people of Northern Ireland, it was brilliant to have the opportunity to welcome so many of our communities to the airport, and together support the life-saving work of Air Ambulance NI, that anyone could need at any time."

Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, Katrina Hughes, commented: "We are absolutely thrilled with the success of our first ever 5k Runway Run at City of Derry Airport - it simply would not have been possible without the fantastic support from the airport team and of course The City of Derry Spartans who so generously donated their time and expertise to help make the event a success.

WATCH: Runners and walkers all set for unique 5k run at City of Derry Airport

"We are also so grateful to Alchemy Tech, who generously sponsored the event, alongside Rocwell Water, Lidl NI and Lynas Food who provided water and snacks for all our participants. It was truly magnificent to see the sea of red Air Ambulance NI running tops running down the airport runway, and we're so humbled by the incredible support from everyone in the local area."

Registered participants had the chance to win a fantastic flight package or luxury hamper courtesy of CoDA, by raising a minimum sponsorship ask of £100. Winners Lisa McGeady and Lisa Houston joined the event team to collect their prizes and celebrate the events achievements on Tuesday 20th May.

IN PICTURES: First ever Air Ambulance NI and City of Derry Airport Runway Run 5k

Also joining the celebration was local Derry City man, Damien Keys, who is a previous patient of the HEMS team and a keen supporter of the NI charity. Damien suffered a severe fall while performing maintenance at a radio tower on Sheriff’s Mountain in Derry.

He fell approximately 25 feet and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he spent significant time in intensive care and received extensive treatment for his injuries.

The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team have been tasked approximately 4785 times up to March 31st, 2025, since becoming operational in July 2017.

Air Ambulance NI relies on the generous support of local businesses, individuals, groups and communities to help raise the £2.5million needed annually to maintain the lifesaving service. If you would like to find out more about how you can support the service, please click here or reach out directly to info@airambulanceni.org