Mayoral charities announced for Mid and East Antrim
Monday 15 June 2026
The newly appointed Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, has chosen Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support as the official Mayoral Charities for the duration of his term.
Mayor Gordon is supporting these charities as they provide vital services not only within the Borough but across Northern Ireland. Throughout the year, there will be a range of events and fundraising initiatives to raise money for these worthy charities.
Mayor, Alderman Tom Gordon said: “As Mayor it is a privilege to have the opportunity to raise money for amazing charities that can do so much for so many people. Raising awareness of the invaluable services of Air Ambulance NI and Rural Support is important and, I hope our community will join me in making a difference during my mayoral term.
“Too many of us will have seen the air ambulance in the sky. While the sight of it creates a mixture of emotions, its presence means someone is receiving critical emergency care. The medical crew onboard delivers pre-hospital care at the scene of major trauma resulting from a range of incidents including road traffic collision, agricultural accidents, falls, sporting, domestic and workplace incidents.
“Mid and East Antrim has a large rural population and those who live and work in these areas can require support at difficult times. My other chosen charity, Rural Support provides services aimed at improving the mental wellbeing of farmers and farming families, reducing isolation and loneliness and offering business guidance.”
Air Ambulance NI is a charity which works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the region. Its operational helicopter carries a crew comprising of a pilot, doctor and paramedic – operating 365 days of the year for up to twelve hours each day.
Serious or life-threatening situations can happen to anyone at any time and on average, two people in Northern Ireland require the support of Air Ambulance NI every day.
Breige Mulholland, Head of Finance and Operations at Air Ambulance NI said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Mid and East Antrim Council area this year thanks to the Mayor selecting us to benefit as one of his chosen charities. The funds raised will directly benefit those in critical need of pre-hospital care and with the service needed by two people on average each day, this is a partnership that will genuinely help save lives right here in our community.”
Rural Support is a charity that provides free and confidential advice, mentoring and wellbeing support through its helpline and programmes for farmers and farm families.
The organisation offers assistance with farm business management, financial issues, bereavement, mental health, succession planning, and stress management. Rural Support also promotes social initiatives, including farm-related health checks, and provides tools to help build resilience and maintain family unity in farming communities.
Samantha Booysen, Director of Operations at Rural Support commented: “We are honoured that Mayor Gordon has chosen Rural Support to stand alongside Air Ambulance NI as his Mayoral Charities. It feels like a fitting partnership – Air Ambulance NI is often first on the scene in an emergency, while Rural Support is there in the months and years afterwards, helping farming families cope with the lasting impact. We're grateful for this support and look forward to working with the Mayor throughout his term to raise awareness of the challenges facing our farming community.”
For further information or to donate online to the Mayor’s Charities, visit the Mayor’s Charity page: https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/mayorscharity