A Co Derry farmer has paid tribute to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland for saving his life during a farming accident four years ago.
George Hasset from Claudy was overcome by fumes in June 2018 while attempting to rescue lambs from a shed after mixing slurry on the family farm.
Emergency services, including Air Ambulance NI, responded and provided pre-hospital critical care interventions at the scene that would normally only happen in a hospital setting.
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George spent four months in Altnagelvin Hospital, undertook five months of rehabilitation in Musgrave Brain Injury unit, and has had to learn how to walk and talk again.
Speaking to MyDerry , George, who now suffers from a speech impediment due to the accident, said he was "blessed to be alive".
“It has been a difficult journey, but I am blessed to be alive which is thanks to the Air Ambulance NI team," George said.
"All the doctors and nurses who cared for me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here today.”
George's comments come ahead of a countrywide 400-mile cycle to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI.
Staff from Northern Ireland’s six Further Education Colleges, including North West Regional College in Derry, will cycle in two relays on Friday 17 June.
Each of the six colleges have put forward a team of experienced cyclists who will cycle between their respective campuses and pass a symbolic baton to the next college.
The team are fundraising to support a vital regional service particularly as the health service faces enormous pressures in the wake of the recent pandemic.
Patrick McKeown, Acting Principal & Chief Executive, North West Regional College said: “Northern Ireland’s Further Education Colleges play a vital role in the community, which goes far beyond just education.
"‘Further Education 400’ captures and maximises this hard work, bringing our entire sector together to support the fantastic work of Air Ambulance NI.
“We are delighted to give our backing to organisations such as Air Ambulance NI that are doing amazing work to support our community. Along with our Good for Me Good for FE initiative, Further Education 400 will help us make a positive impact in our community.”
“We at North West Regional College look forward to participating in and cheering on our team as they pass through our Limavady, Derry-Londonderry, and Strabane Campuses and urge the public to give generously to a fantastic organisation.”
The staff will leave Belfast in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions passing through 27 college campuses to cross the finish line in Enniskillen.
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with the Further Education sector for their ‘Further Education 400’ charity cycle.
"The money raised through this activity will no doubt make a significant contribution to the £2 million needed in fundraising annually to keep the air ambulance operational.
"We would like to thank all those involved, and we look forward to cheering on the many cyclists on the day.”
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