Further education colleges pedal to £5,550 for Air Ambulance NI

STAFF from Northern Ireland’s six further education colleges have raised £5,550 for Air Ambulance NI after participating in a charity cycle.

The charity cycle, entitled ‘Further Education 400,’ saw teams cycle 400 miles passing through 25 further education college campuses.

Each of the six colleges put forward a team of cyclists, both experienced and first timers, who cycled around their respective campuses to pass a baton to the next college.

Economy Minister Gordon Lyons cheered on cyclists at Northern Regional College’s Newtownabbey campus, where Belfast Metropolitan College passed on the baton.

The teams fundraised to support a vital regional service at a time when the health service faces enormous pressures in the wake of the recent pandemic.

The event highlighted the collaboration and collegiality between the six colleges in their work to make a positive impact to their local communities.

Damien McAnespie, Fundraising Manager at Air Ambulance NI, said: “The £5,550 raised through this event will no doubt make a significant contribution to keeping Air Ambulance NI flying.

“A huge thank you to everyone from the further education colleges for their support, it is greatly appreciated.”