North Down DUP MLA Gordon Dunne has lent his support to the campaign to have a dedicated Northern Ireland Air Ambulance.

The MLA was speaking after attending an event alongside Road Racing legends William Dunlop and Brian Reid at Parliament Buildings, Stormont: ‘I am fully behind the campaign to ensure Northern Ireland has its own dedicated Air Ambulance to deal with trauma situations. It would be a fitting tribute to the late Dr John Hinds from Portaferry who was tragically killed recently doing what he loved, helping to save lives at motorcycle road races across both Northern Ireland, the Republic and further afield. We need our own dedicated Air Ambulance service and I certainly welcome the commitment from the Health Minister Simon Hamilton towards the acquiring of an Air Ambulance through both Government support and charitable support. We must make this a real priority for Northern Ireland and I will certainly continue the campaign to see this happen.'

There is widespread support for this to happen and it was encouraging to see Road Racing stars including William Dunlop and Brian Reid lend their support to this campaign. Top racers like them recognise the value of having a fast and efficient medical service and only serve to re-affirm the need for an Ambulance to be available, not just for racing situations, but also for all kinds of trauma incidents across our country.

More information on the campaign for an NI Ambulance can be found on www.hems4ni.com or on Twitter @HEMS_NI

Gordon Dunne MLA joins campaigners including William Dunlop and Brian Reid in support of an NI Air Ambulance