THE family of a Co Antrim man who suffered life-changing injuries in a motorcycle crash are giving away a car to raise funds for the Air Ambulance charity that came to his aid.
Simon Osborne (27) from Ballymoney was travelling on the north coast when he was involved in a collision in January 2019.
Mr Osborne's father Tony said his son sustained multiple injuries in the smash and "had it not been for the work" of the emergency services, including the Air Ambulance, "Simon would not have survived his injuries".
"Simon is a keen motorcyclist and on 2 January 2019 he was travelling on the north coast and had a collision with a car," he said.
"It was in a 30mph zone, so a low speed collision, but resulted in a life-threatening situation and now Simon has life-changing injuries.
"Simon’s injuries included multiple fractures to his sternum, ribcage, pelvis, femur and left arm, as well as serious pelvic and internal trauma.
"Had it not been for the work of the air ambulance crew, NI Fire and Rescue Service, NI Ambulance Service and the PSNI at the roadside and the work of the major trauma team at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Simon would not have survived his injuries.
"As a family we are incredibly grateful that the air ambulance HEMS team were there when our family needed them."
Since the crash, his family have raised more than £100,000 to ensure the charity helicopter service is "there for many other families".
But when the coronavirus pandemic began the family were unable to complete their usual fundraising, however, they have now come up with the idea of a charity car competition.
With the help of a Co Antrim business and 80 sponsors, a 2016 Volkswagen Golf R is up for grabs in a charity draw.
"When Covid-19 struck it impacted our plans for a 2020 gala ball and instead we did an online competition raising over £4,000," Mr Osborne said.
"As a family we have been frustrated at not being able to do more and have missed the fundraising activities that we love. We know the Air Ambulance is still needed twice a day, yet fundraising is hit very hard.
"So, we thought differently and reached out to a few contacts to help secure this fabulous car. Contributions mean the cost of the car is entirely covered.
"That with the crucial support of Ryan at CM Competitions NI Ltd means we now have a genuine opportunity to raise a lot of funds."
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at the Air Ambulance, said: "Within weeks of Simon’s accident the Osborne family established the 'Simon Osborne Appeal' to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI and set a six-figure fundraising goal.
"They are a family that don’t do things by halves, organising a series of events in 2019 including a Supercar Sunday, motorbike ride out, musical country night, community summer BBQ, collections, and numerous bag packs to name a few.
"They have already raised over £100,000 ensuring the HEMS has been there for many other families. It’s truly amazing and we owe them as well as the community who have helped many thanks.
"We are so impressed at their creativity with the car competition.
"We also wish to recognise the support of CM Competitions NI Ltd as host for the competition, which is critical, massive thanks to Ryan for being so charitable and giving back."
To buy a £15 ticket, please visit www.cmcompetitionsni.co.uk
