For her 100th birthday, Vonnie Elliott chose to forgo traditional gifts and instead requested donations to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland (NI), raising more than £2,000 for the charity.
After celebrating her milestone birthday in March at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Mrs. Elliott presented a cheque for the funds to Air Ambulance NI volunteers George Ogle and George Irvine on the morning of Tuesday, May 6.
Her daughter, Olwen McTeggart, explained that Vonnie selected the charity because, living in rural Fermanagh, she understands the vital, life-saving service Air Ambulance NI provides.
The charity operates a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS). This service offers rapid response and critical care to patients in life-threatening situations.
Each operational helicopter is staffed by a pilot, doctor, and paramedic, providing essential care at the scene and during transport to the nearest hospital.
As a charitable organisation, Air Ambulance NI relies on donations from the public and local businesses to fund its operations. The service requires £2.5 million annually, with daily operational costs of £6,850.
The charity’s values include respect, integrity, teamwork, and accountability, which guide its work and mission.
Born into the Flemming family in Drumduff, Florencecourt in 1925, Vonnie Elliott moved to Monea at the age of 22 after marrying Edwin Elliott in 1947. Together, they spent decades serving the Monea community through their shop and post office while raising four children: Trevor, Raymond, Lorraine, and Olwen.
Married for nearly 70 years, Vonnie and Edwin shared a life full of mutual love and support. Throughout her life, Vonnie volunteered for several charities, including the Red Cross, where she served as a voluntary driver, taking patients to Belfast once a week. Later in life, she also volunteered for Action Cancer.
Her birthday donation reflects a lifetime of giving back to her community, with £2,220 raised for Air Ambulance NI.
Olwen McTeggart thanked all those who donated, saying, “Vonnie and the Elliott family would like to express their gratitude for the generosity and kindness shown by everyone.”
