Coronavirus: Artistic Emergency Medical Technician raising funds for Northern Ireland Air Ambulance

A kindhearted Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) from Templepatrick is supporting her colleagues in the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance charity through sales of a painting of the emergency services she worked on during a recent rest day.
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Emma Mcclughan is hoping to raise over £2,000 for the charitable organisation through sales of the prints.

The former Belfast Model School for Girls pupil, who is currently working on frontline vehicles along with a paramedic colleague, captured on canvas the things from her working day that are important to her.

Her image captures, in the form of a guardian angel, the worry felt by the crews in the ambulance and on the Air Ambulance, and the hope that one day this will be past us as represented by that ever-present rainbow.

Emma presented Michael Bloomfield with a framed print to be kept on display in the NIAS reception area.Emma presented Michael Bloomfield with a framed print to be kept on display in the NIAS reception area.
Emma presented Michael Bloomfield with a framed print to be kept on display in the NIAS reception area.

Speaking to the Times, Emma said: “I have been interested in art from a young age. My Grandfather taught me and then I carried it on in my school years.

“I have never sold prints before. The interest people took when I shared it on social media and how keen people were in buying the painting was really out of the blue, so I thought I could use this opportunity to raise funds for my colleagues in the HEMS team. I did it for my own enjoyment on a block of rest days. I find it relaxing.”

Praising her generous effort, a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesperson said: “Recently, having completed a shift pattern, Emma found that, on her day off, her thoughts were still with her colleagues and in an effort to make sense of the situation we all find ourselves in, she took to the canvas. The result has captured the imagination of her friends and colleagues in the ambulance service and beyond.

“Emma, who is based in Magherafelt NIAS station, posted her painting on her social media and was overwhelmed by the response and the positivity of the comments. She had obviously struck a chord.

Emma recently worked on the painting.Emma recently worked on the painting.
Emma recently worked on the painting.

“People offered to buy the painting and she could have sold it and kept the money. However, in a characteristic act of great generosity, Emma decided that any money she received would go to charity.

“As she works regularly with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) crews and understands the vital role charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, plays to continually raise funds, Emma has decided that any money raised from the limited edition prints of the picture will all go to AANI.

“The selection of charity was made easier by the family connection of a cousin being married to one of the doctors who is part of the HEMS team.”

Welcoming the support for the AANI, Breige Mulholland said: “We are so touched that Emma has used her talents in such a heartfelt and positive way in recognition of all that NIAS and AANI do 365 days of the year.

“As a charity, we need to raise £2m a year to keep the HEMS operational. Due to the virus all fundraising events in aid of AANI have been axed and our community are no longer able to support in the usual ways. Yet trauma incidents continue to occur, and public support is crucial. We thank Emma for her creativity and generosity and encourage those who can to buy a print from AANI’s website. It could save a life!”

NIAS Chief Executive, Michael Bloomfield praised the generosity and kindness of Emma, adding: “I am constantly in awe of NIAS staff. Every day they give their all for patients and many go over and above what is expected of them. They are all being asked to give more at this time and I am so proud of the manner in which they have risen to the challenge.

“But over the past couple of months, we have all been lucky to have been given an insight into some of their other talents – musical, dancing, poetry and now artistry. This image is one that has touched the hearts of many in the way in which it shows that we are all in this together and that there will be brighter days for us all to enjoy again.

“The fact that Emma’s first thoughts were that this should be sold to raise money for the Charity Air Ambulance says so much about her as a person. It reflects a generosity of spirit which is so common among our staff and which is getting a chance to shine, like a rainbow, in these dark days. I am sure that her family is as proud of her as we all are. I just want to say to her – well done and thank you.”

A total of 200 prints of Emma’s painting have been produced. If you would like to purchase one, visit https://www.airambulanceni.org/

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