The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors NI has announced Air Ambulance NI (AANI) as its chosen charity for the next year. 

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland was nominated by the RICS NI board, and will also serve as charity of the year for RICS Matrics NI, the networking and support group for RICS students and trainees. 

Between December this year until November 2023 next year, the RICS in Northern Ireland will be fundraising for the air ambulance at a number of its events.

Air Ambulance NI, working alongside Northern Ireland Ambulance service, operates a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) seven days a week to provide emergency medical care and transport to those in need across Northern Ireland. 

Operating since 2017, the air ambulance has attended over 3,000 incidents to help critically ill and injured people across Northern Ireland. 

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Sharon McClements, chair of the RICS Northern Ireland board, said: "AANI provides such a critical, and potentially lifesaving, service across Northern Ireland. I have seen the air ambulance arrive at many emergencies, accidents that have involved children, adults and older people and I have seen the difference this air ambulance has made to saving their lives. 

"The dedication that the entire team have to providing such a critical service to all in society is admirable and we're looking forward to raising funds to support AANI over the next year."

Colleen Milligan, Business Development Manager for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland added: "We are so thrilled to be appointed as the nominated charity for the RICS Northern Ireland for 2023. The funds raised through this partnership will help the helicopter lift off and fly to critically ill and injured patients across Northern Ireland.

"On average the service is needed twice per day and the doctor and paramedic on board provide critical interventions at scene to help save a life. With the help of our supporters across the province, our team can bring the hospital direct to the patient within minutes.   

"We are really looking forward to working with and supporting the RICS and their members in an engaging partnership in 2023 and would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the board for choosing to support AANI!"