Brian Duddy from D&M Farm Services in Eglinton raised almost £4,000 for Air Ambulance NI by growing a beard for one year. The effort began as a workplace joke and continued after a customer suggested linking it to charity support for the farm community.

A JustGiving page set up by colleague Jordan received strong donations. Duddy stated that growing the beard posed little difficulty and that the funds would aid doctors and paramedics in reaching patients by helicopter.

Air Ambulance NI partners with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service across Northern Ireland. The team responds on average twice daily to critically ill or injured patients.

The service reaches any location in Northern Ireland within 25 minutes and takes off within five minutes of an emergency call. It requires £8,200 in daily fundraising to operate.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, thanked Duddy and his supporters. She noted the farm community's support for the service's potential life-saving care.

The funds raised will cover the cost of the service reaching one patient. Air Ambulance NI plans events this year including a 5k Runway Run at City of Derry Airport on 25 April, open to walkers and runners.