Three years ago, Leonard Mullin’s life took a dramatic turn when he fell down the stairs at home. It was on that day that the Air Ambulance Northern Ireland came to his rescue, providing the critical care and rapid response that ultimately saved his life.
However, the accident left him a quadriplegic, paralysed from the chest down with very limited use of his limbs. Since then every single day is a fight for Co Tyrone man Leonard to regain the use of his limbs and even something as simple as holding a fork is incredibly challenging.
Leonard recalled the events of Friday, June 3 2022, when a fall down the stairs of his Sixmilecross home left him with profound injuries: “It was on that day that the Air Ambulance NI came to my rescue, providing the critical care and rapid response that saved my life. However, the accident left me a quadriplegic, meaning I'm paralysed from the chest down with very limited use of my limbs.”
Now, Leonard is setting himself a challenge unlike any other—a challenge not just of physical endurance but of personal meaning. He has decided to handwrite a letter of gratitude to the Air Ambulance team. For most, putting pen to paper is effortless, but for Leonard, every letter and word he writes is a battle.
He added: “I have set myself the difficult, trying task of handwriting a deeply personal letter to express my gratitude for the incredible service and dedication of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. I'm aiming for this letter to be finished by the third anniversary of my accident, 3rd June 2025.”
Despite the huge challenges Leonard has encountered, he has remained positive and thankful for all that has been done for him. “I have had wonderful support from family, friends, neighbours, professionals, staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, staff at Musgrave Park Hospital, staff at Antrim Area Hospital, Fairfield’s Care Centre staff, and one private massage therapist in particular. Thank you for joining me in giving back to this incredible organisation. Let’s keep their mission soaring.”
Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI said: “This is an incredible challenge that Leonard has set himself, a task that most of us take for granted will be a huge test for him. So many people support charities by running marathons, hiking mountains or taking part in physical endurance events.
“This will be something very different but equally as difficult for Leonard so I ask that people support his fundraising appeal. Unfortunately, two individuals on average find themselves in need of Air Ambulance every day in the region. At a fundraising need of £6,850 per day, none of us knows who may need the Air Ambulance in the future but it is vitally important that it is there for everyone.”
As someone who owes them everything, Leonard is now asking for your help to ensure they can keep flying to the aid of others in their most desperate moments.
“Each callout of the Air Ambulance costs approximately £3,000 on average.. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Together, we can make sure that this lifeline is there for others in need.”
To support Leonard’s fundraising appeal, please visit his JustGiving page.
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English (United States) ·