THE family of Maggie Black who died after waiting more than an hour for an ambulance to arrive have donated almost £13,000 to charity as a "fitting tribute" to the five-year-old.
The Glenarm family handed over the donation to the Air Ambulance after fundraising in memory of the little girl following her death in December.
The charity said it "volumes to how affectionately regarded and truly special Maggie was".
A P2 pupil at St John’s Primary School in Carnlough, Co Antrim, she became critically ill at home with stomach pains and had to wait more than an hour for an ambulance to arrive.
The family called a relative, who is a local firefighter, and a crew was dispatched to help with the initial medical response prior to the ambulance arriving.
But the young girl later died.
Although the Air Ambulance did not treat Maggie, her family were keen to support the charity which provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for Northern Ireland in partnership with the Ambulance Service.
Parents Brian and Sheenagh requested that if anyone wished to make a contribution at Maggie’s funeral that they donate to Air Ambulance NI in lieu of flowers.
The surrounding community also came together to raise almost £13,000 in loving memory of Maggie, who was a keen Irish dancer and budding musician.
Her parents and siblings Charlie and Eimear recently visited the Air Ambulance NI base to present the charity with the vital funds raised.
They said they "would like to sincerely thank the entire community who donated so generously in her memory and helped them commemorate Maggie’s life".
Their donation will help fund over two days of the HEMS, which brings urgent medical assistance to anywhere in the north.
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, said: "The support from the local community speaks volumes to how affectionately regarded and truly special Maggie was.
"We also want to sincerely thank everyone who donated in Maggie’s memory and contributed towards this significant total.
"At an average tasking rate of two calls every day, this donation could help four individuals somewhere in Northern Ireland following a serious trauma or medical incident."
Following her death, Maggie's family launched a petition to ensure that the fire service be automatically dispatched to emergency medical calls in rural areas.
A scheme, Maggie's Call, was launched last month by Health Minister Robin Swann.
However, it was suspended over potential legal concerns.
