A family from Co Tyrone have shown their appreciation to the Air Ambulance charity after a dad and daughter both had to be airlifted to hospital within 18 months of each other.
Mountfield farmer Michael Hollywood was hurt in a serious agricultural incident in 2021 when a bull he was transporting to his local vets attacked him.
He was flown to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast to be treated for his injuries and continues his recovery today
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Just days before Michael’s daughter Niamh was due to take part in a charity abseil event at Belfast Castle in December 2022 for the Air Ambulance, she was involved in a serious car crash.
Niamh had been on her way to university when she was involved in the multi-vehicle crash, which saw the charity also tasked to the scene.
Speaking about his accident, Michael said he is slowly but surely getting back on his feet.
“It’s been a long few months. Initially I wasn’t able to do even simple tasks for myself, but I am getting back on my feet," he said.
“It really makes you count your blessings. As many have said I am lucky to be here to tell the tale. With the help and support of my family and friends, I hope to get better with time.
“Air Ambulance NI is a credit to the whole community, as a family we have always supported the charity and you appreciate the service even more when it comes to your own doorstep.”
Thankfully Niamh didn’t require treatment from the medics on board the Air Ambulance and was treated by road crews from the NI Ambulance Service.
Despite not being able to complete her abseil, Niamh still managed to raise more than £2,000 for the organisation.
Niamh added: “Anytime I think of Air Ambulance, it brings back all the memories from daddy’s accident. It was very emotional to see the helicopter that morning
“I am delighted with the amount of money we raised and can’t thank family and friends enough for their donations to the service as you never know when you might need it.”
The Hollywood family recently visited the Air Ambulance base in Lisburn, and the charity’s fundraising manager said they have been through a lot.
“It was lovely meeting the Hollywood family. They have all been through a lot over the last 18 months having had Air Ambulance to their accidents on two separate occasions.
“We wish Michael continued recovery and would like to thank them for their support as a family.”
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