Benburb Farm Open Day Raises £86,000 for Air Ambulance NI
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the RedHouse Holstein Open Day and World Wide Sires progeny showcase at the Irwin family farm in Benburb has generated an astonishing £86,000 for Air Ambulance NI. Held on a crisp day in late January, the event drew over 3,000 attendees from the agricultural sector and beyond, blending education, entertainment, and philanthropy to support one of Northern Ireland's most critical emergency services.
The Event: A Celebration of Agriculture and Giving
The open day, organized by RedHouse Holsteins in partnership with World Wide Sires (WWS), transformed the Irwin family's picturesque farm into a bustling hub of activity. Visitors marveled at the latest innovations in Holstein cattle breeding, with progeny showcases highlighting top-tier genetics and sustainable farming practices. But beyond the technical displays, the event's core mission was clear: to rally support for Air Ambulance NI, the charity that provides rapid-response helicopter medical services across rural and urban areas alike.
Raffles, auctions, and generous donations fueled the fundraising efforts. Taaffe Auctions, supported by the innovative online platform MartEye, handled the bidding process seamlessly, ensuring maximum participation even from remote supporters. Local touches, like refreshments provided by Benburb Presbyterian Church, added a warm, communal feel, with all proceeds directed to the cause. Attendees, including dairy farmers, families, and industry experts, not only learned about cutting-edge livestock advancements but also contributed to a lifeline that operates in some of the region's most challenging terrains.
Key Organizers and Their Dedication
At the helm were David Irwin and his family, who opened their Benburb farm with open arms. Joined by Alan Irwin and the WWS team, they invested countless hours in planning—from farm preparations to prize curation. Ervin McKinstry, General Manager of WWS UK, praised the turnout: “The open day was a fantastic success. To have so many dairy farmers and their families attend and give so generously for a charity crucial to the rural community was amazing.”
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, echoed this sentiment in a statement overflowing with gratitude. “I want to express my deep thanks to David, the Irwin family, and everyone at RedHouse Holsteins for what they have done in support of the charity. David, Alan, and the team at World Wide Sires put a huge amount of work and time into planning and promoting the event, managing raffle prizes and auction items, and preparing the family farm for visitors.” He also spotlighted the church's role and the volunteers: “I also want to express my thanks to Benburb Presbyterian Church for providing refreshments... the team at Taaffe Auctions and MartEye... and our own charity volunteers for their amazing help on the day. We are indebted to the community for their support and we never take it for granted.”
Impact: Funding Lifesaving Missions
The £86,000 haul is no small feat—it's enough to fund nearly 11 full days of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). In practical terms, this could mean saving up to 22 lives, given the service's rapid response capabilities in Northern Ireland's often remote areas. Air Ambulance NI, which relies entirely on donations without government funding, covers a vast region including Armagh, Dungannon, and beyond, responding to accidents, medical emergencies, and traumas where ground ambulances can't reach quickly enough.
This fundraiser underscores the indispensable role of such services in rural communities. With winding roads and sparse populations, the helicopter's ability to deliver advanced care on-scene or en route to hospitals is a game-changer. Stories of survival—from farm accidents to road crashes—abound, and events like this ensure the charity's helicopters keep flying. The funds will cover fuel, maintenance, medical equipment, and crew training, directly translating community generosity into tangible lifesaving actions.
Broader Community and Industry Ties
The event's success highlights the synergy between agriculture and philanthropy in Northern Ireland. The dairy sector, a backbone of the local economy, faces its own challenges like fluctuating markets and environmental pressures, yet farmers showed unwavering solidarity. Attendees included representatives from areas like Loughgall, Keady, Markethill, and even further afield in Craigavon and Newry, fostering a sense of regional unity.
Air Ambulance NI's work resonates deeply in these communities. Operating 365 days a year, the service has responded to thousands of calls since its inception, often in the dead of night or harsh weather. This open day not only boosted immediate funds but also raised awareness, encouraging ongoing support through memberships, corporate partnerships, and future events.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
As the agricultural calendar progresses, initiatives like this set a high bar for community-driven fundraising. The Irwin family and WWS have already hinted at making such events annual traditions, potentially expanding to include more educational workshops on sustainable breeding and farm tech. For Air Ambulance NI, the windfall provides breathing room to plan for the year ahead, but as McAnespie notes, every contribution counts in their donor-dependent model.
In an era where emergency services stretch thin, stories like Benburb's remind us of the power of collective action. Whether through a farm gate or a donation page, supporting Air Ambulance NI means investing in the safety net that catches us when we fall—literally and figuratively. For those inspired, the charity welcomes ongoing involvement via their website or local chapters.
This event wasn't just about cattle and cash; it was a testament to Northern Ireland's resilient spirit, where hard work on the land extends to lifesaving efforts in the sky. As the rotors of the Air Ambulance continue to turn, thanks to generous hearts in Benburb, more families will have hope in their darkest hours.
