Willis Vogel (21) died following an accident in Castlederg in May 2020.
Over the past five years, his parents Maud and Stevie Vogel, along with their daughters Christa and Rebecca, have organised vital fundraising events.
A JustGiving Page was set up in his memory and resulted in a total of £26,700 being raised.
Since then, the Vogel family have worked tirelessly to support Air Ambulance NI.
This has included organising their own fundraising events, helping others who fundraise and annually hosting a family day at Carrowmena Activity Centre in honour of Willis.
Air Ambulance NI helicopter at RVH
This annual event became a gathering for family, friends and the local community, fostering unity while raising funds in Willis’ name.
They have also become members of the charity’s membership programme, Club AANI.
Members donate monthly to keep the service operational and as such are the lifeblood of the charity, which invites them all to an annual BBQ.
The Vogel family shared their feelings about the fundraising, saying: “Losing Willis has been the hardest thing we’ve faced.
“Honouring his memory through our efforts with Air Ambulance NI has brought us comfort and purpose.
“We are immensely thankful to everyone who has supported us in this endeavour. Together, we are making a meaningful impact and that helps keep us going.”
From left: Breige Mulholland, head of operations and finance at Air Ambulance NI, Maud Vogel and Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance NI
News Catchup – July 1st 2025
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising for Air Ambulance NI, expressed her deep appreciation for the Vogel family’s commitment.
She stated: “The support from the Vogel family is so poignant given their grief, and we are humbled by the extent they have gone to over the years to help others who may face a similar situation.
“The family have become good friends to our charity and prominent local representatives in the community, and we are incredibly grateful for their unwavering dedication.
“Their incredible campaigns have not only raised significant funds but have also raised awareness of the charity’s vital work. They can often be seen leading bucket collections at local bike races and community shows, tirelessly engaging with supporters and sharing their story.
“Their commitment and heartfelt advocacy have inspired many others to get involved, solidifying their role as key figures in the charity’s mission to provide critical care to those in need across the region.”
Air Ambulance NI operates in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) to provide Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) across the region, responding to an average of two missions per day.
With a yearly operational cost of approximately £3m, Air Ambulance NI relies heavily on the generosity and support of local businesses and communities to continue its vital work.
The charity is organising an abseil at Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady, on September 20 and sign up is now available at www.airambulanceni.org.