£90K raised for Air Ambulance after farmer's life saved by their quick response after sustaining serious injuries in bull attack

Thomas was unloading cattle at the mart in Clogher on May 17 when a bull in one of the loading bays struck him in the stomach with its head as he turned around.

This resulted in him sustaining serious internal injuries to his abdomen.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) were tasked via the charity air ambulance to the scene.

And due to the severity of his injuries, the HEMS doctor and paramedic placed Thomas into an induced coma at the scene.

They also carried out a one and half litre blood transfusion due to the extent of his internal injuries and loss of blood he had sustained.

Thomas said: “I was told that from when the air ambulance was tasked in Lisburn, to landing and treating me in Clogher and then transporting me to Royal Victoria Hospital Belfast, it took 58 minutes in total.

"That’s what saved my life.”

Thomas then spent thirty-one days in the Royal Victoria Hospital and a further four days in Craigavon Area Hospital

recovering from his injuries.

Thomas and Jackie returned their thanks to the charity by holding a ‘Night of Celebration’ at Quinn’s Corner, Dungannon on Saturday 18 th April.

The included a live auction, raffle, live music and was attended by hundreds of people from across the entire community in support of the well-known farmer.

Thomas and Jackie said, “We are delighted to hand over such a large amount of money to Air Ambulance. We would like to thank everyone

who gave a donation or donated gifts to the auction and raffle.

"We also would like to thank CJ Donaghy who played a big part in securing auction items from many local businesses and individuals, Pat Traynor for his support and providing food on the night, Adrian Logan for MCing, auctioneer Rodney Windrum, Paudge Quinn and his

staff at Quinn’s Corner and to all our family and friends who supported the fundraiser in any way.”

Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, “I want to thank Thomas, Jackie and the entire community for their incredible donation to the charity.

"It was a phenomenal night of generosity - their donation of £90,000 will fund the service for eleven days, potentially saving the lives of twenty-two people in the region.

"Thomas has made a wonderful recovery over the last twelve months since his accident and he has certainly played a huge part in ensuring the helicopter emergency medical service can continue to be there for those who need it most.

"We are humbled by the support from the community and we never take it for granted.”

The charity Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland.

The service brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the province, operating seven days a week for 12 hours per day.

The HEMS team attend 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.

The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes.