By Press Release
The Island’s Catenians Association has presented a cheque for £700 to the Hants & IW Air Ambulance.
The Catenians, a world-wide Roman Catholic lay society for men, raised the money through a series of raffles held at its monthly meetings, at The Castle Inn, Newport.
Treasurer, Joseph O’Driscoll, and registrar, Andrew Munn, made the presentation to Hants & IW Air Ambulance volunteer, Ron Murrant, with The Castle co-owner, Liam White, also in attendance.
The money was raised over the last year during Mal Butler’s presidency, with his position now being taken by Eddie McMahon. Ron said: “We’re extremely grateful. The charity first started in 2005 and bought our first helicopter two years later.
“We’ve grown from strength to strength. Our current helicopter can fly at night and is equipped with a doctor. We are able to provide first-stage treatment to a patient before they reach the emergency department. We have made 259 flights this year, and it costs £15,000 a day to run the service. We are taking critical care to the patient.”
On October 7, the charity will hold its second 5km (3 mile) ‘Dash in the Dark’ fund-raiser at Seaclose, Newport, and registrations can be made online.
