Supporters of Ballymena United Football Club have raised £90,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in tribute to Lydia Ross, a lifelong fan who died in 2023.

The campaign started after fellow fans approached the club with plans to remember Ross and support her father Paul Ross. It began with sales of sky blue ribbon badges, matching the club's colours.

Ballymena United produced a special charity kit based on the ribbon design. Paul Ross approved the kit. The squad wore it with the Ross family at its launch. Sales of the kit contributed to the total, with orders placed from the United States and Australia.

Fundraising included quiz nights, sweet auctions, a 72-hole golf marathon at Galgorm Golf Club, a bingo event, and a 28-mile walk from Ballymena to Coleraine led by Paul Ross and friends. Coleraine's chairman joined the walk. The walk and bingo night raised £40,000.

Paul Ross stated that the sky blue ribbon captured public interest and that fans continue to suggest new ideas. He noted that each air ambulance deployment costs £5,000 to £6,000, so the funds could support 12 to 15 missions.

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service seven days a week. It responds twice daily on average to road traffic collisions, workplace accidents, and medical emergencies.

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, thanked Ballymena United and the Ross family for their efforts. Ballymena United chairman Chris Selwood said the club acted naturally to support the family, as football extends beyond matches. Support came from rival clubs across the Northern Ireland Football League.

During a match at Glenavon, Ballymena midfielder Donal Rocks scored from 40 yards and approached Paul Ross in the stand.