Total raised in memory of local farmer reaches £31,000

THE total amount of monies raised in memory of local farmer Christy Hamilton now stands at an astonishing £31k.

Christy’s eldest daughter, Georgia initially made a touching gesture by selling one of her lambs named ‘Sleepy the Sheep’ at Donemana Mart, raising over £19,171 for Air Ambulance NI. This act of kindness was followed by a further £11,829 raised at Christy’s funeral, with donations made in lieu of flowers.

Christy Hamilton tragically passed away at the age of 41 last September due to a heart attack while attending to his animals, leaving behind his four young daughters and wife Joanne.

The Hamilton and McGerrigle family recently the cheque for £31k to staff from the Air Ambulance at the charity’s base in Lisburn. The donation will directly contribute to the operation of Air Ambulance NI, potentially saving the lives of eight individuals over four days of service.

Mr Hamilton’s sister-in-law Joanne McGerrigle told the Strabane Chronicle, “We as a family are so grateful, never mind the staff and volunteers at Air Ambulance who were also overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of family, friends and local community.

“We cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness and support over the past few months.”

Area fundraising manager for Air Ambulance Damien McAnespie said, “This is an incredible and huge donation. We would like to thank the family for their incredible generosity at what has been such a a tragic time.

“The people of the entire area of Dunamanagh and Plumbridge have been amazing.”

He added, “The money will pay directly for four days of call-outs for our helicopter. We roughly go out twice a day so it could save eight people’s lives.”

Sleepy the sheep is now living in Gortin under the care of six-year-old Alanagh Daly and her family who have ensured he went to a great home.