Co Antrim friends travel across India in 'glorified lawnmower' for Air Ambulance

TWO friends have travelled 2,500km across India in a "glorified lawnmower" to raise money for the Air Ambulance NI.

Jonney Tohall from Newtownabbey and Ryan Lewis from Carrickfergus spent six weeks touring the country in a seven horsepower three-wheeled rickshaw, known as a Tuk Tuk.

The duo, known as 'Second to Naan' travelled along rugged and mostly unfinished roads through villages, jungles and desert from Jaisalmer to Fort Kochi during their fundraising adventure.

Mr Tohall said "so many people said we were a bit mad, but it didn’t put us off".

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"The date of the challenge was postponed by Covid, but we finally got to head off on our challenge in January and what a start to the New Year it was," he said.

"Ryan and I have seen first-hand the fantastic work carried out by the air ambulance team, so it was a natural choice for us to fundraise for Air Ambulance NI.

"We lost count of the times that our rickshaw broke down but we held onto the fact that it was all for a good cause and it was the experience of a lifetime. 

"The local people were so helpful and we were welcomed into their communities and to share in the culture. 

"We have memories to last a lifetime and are already thinking of what our next weird and wonderful challenge could be.”

The two friends raised £7,333.54 for the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), which is tasked out to a critically ill or injured patient on average twice per day. 

The service is provided by a partnership between NI Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI.

Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said, “This is certainly one of the most unusual fundraisers in aid of our charity and it was fantastic to meet Jonney and Ryan and hear a little about their travels. 

"They are determined, resilient characters up for a bit of fun and the fundraising efforts are truly incredible.

"Importantly, the funds raised will help the medical team lift off by helicopter to reach future patients, wherever that may be in Northern Ireland.

"This is very much a service that no-one wishes to need but is there for every one of us. 

"Thank you from our charity team for your efforts and to everyone who donated."

As the spring and summer months draw in, the HEMS is expected to experience an increase in call-outs and the charity is appealing for continued support. 

Ms Anderson added, “Whether you choose to take on an extreme challenge like Jonney and Ryan or something more down to earth, all support will help. 

"As a charity we have a range of events including abseils, runs and sky dives, but choosing something that you enjoy is always best. 

"You can find out more information about Air Ambulance NI at www.airambulanceni.org or call the charity on 028 9262 2677."