Emerson’s Foundation funding to be granted for vital community life lines

By Eleanor McGillie

THE Emerson’s Foundation has announced it is to donate £1,000 to Air Ambulance Northern  Ireland (AANI) in support of the campaigning efforts of the late Dr John Hinds and in memory of teenager Lesley-Ann McCarragher.

The foundation, set up by staff from Emerson’s Supermarket and Uluru Bar & Grill to highlight the positive contributions both businesses make in the community, will also donate £150 to the Caledon Regeneration Partnership for the purchase of two paediatric pads for the village defibrillator.

In July last year, Dr Hinds from Tandragee, affectionately known as the ‘flying doctor’ died during a practice lap as he travelled behind riders as they navigated their way around a course just outside Skerries. He had warned that Northern Ireland was in great need of an air ambulance and had long campaigned for the vital lifeline to be introduced here.

Tragically in April this year, teenager Lesley-Ann McCarragher died after being struck by a car while she was out jogging near her family home in Milford. At the time of her funeral her family suggested that people could make donations to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Lesley-Ann’s mum, Liz McCarragher, a staff nurse at Craigavon Hospital, the same hospital where Dr Hinds worked, has welcomed the news of the donation from The Emerson’s Foundation.

She said: “As a family we are greatly humbled that so many people in the community acted on our request for donations to the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. We hope this vital life line will be there someday when someone needs it most. We can only hope that out of this tragedy will come some good.”

Mr Ian Crowe, chairman of AANI said: “We are delighted The Emerson’s Foundation  has chosen our charity to be the recipient of a significant donation from their charitable foundation.  Following the approach by The Emerson’s Foundation to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, as chairman, I recognise the engagement and commitment of the community in Co Armagh – one of the rural regions which will benefit from the provision of an Air Ambulance.

“The community support shown by The Emerson’s Foundation, and many others, is typical of the engagement that the general public, and the corporate sector, commit to the 26 Air Ambulance charities throughout the UK. I feel that our community will fully commit regionally this essential service.”

Foundation committee member, Alessie Magowan, said: “People in Northern Ireland were struck with great sadness when Dr John Hinds died. This year sadness struck again when Lesley-Ann,  a beautiful young girl, was killed while she was out jogging. We are delighted to be in a position to make such a significant donation and our thoughts remain with the families of Dr Hinds and Lesley-Ann.

“We are also delighted to be able to pay for two paediatric pads for the village defibrillator in Caledon which is positioned on the wall of The Old Courthouse. These pads could save the life of a child aged between one and eight-years-old.”

Sandra Mortimer, of the Caledon Regeneration Partnership, said: “A huge thank you to The Emerson’s Foundation. We have been fundraising for the purchase of the defibrillator and the training of our community volunteers so to get this financial support for the paediatric pads is fantastic. There are a lot of young families in the village so it’s fantastic to know our defibrillator serves everyone regardless of age.”

To find out more about The Emerson’s Foundation and how to nominate a charity or cause, visit www.emersonsfoundation.org

ENDS:

Notes To Editor:

• Emerson’s is a family run supermarket which has been serving the local community for over 125 years. The supermarket employs 110 people and is committed to creating a sustainable future on the high street in Armagh city centre. Emerson’s houses a local family supermarket, the city’s Post Office and a Michelin Recommended restaurant, Uluru Bar & Grill. It won the Most Sustainable Independent Retailer 2015 at the Retail Industry Awards
• For further information contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | www.mgmpr.co.uk | Retail PR | Public Relations Northern Ireland | Public Relations UK | Brand Journalism Northern Ireland | Brand Journalism UK | Brand Journalism Experts