A FUNDRAISING swim at Millisle beach this month will honour the memory of Comber man Steven Dugan, who passed away in December 2023 after a short illness.
Dash for Dougie, which has taken place over the past few years, will be held on Sunday, June 22, and is being organised by Steven’s mother Kim Armstrong.
The event will be held on what would have been Steven’s 36th birthday and will raise money for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, a charity Kim volunteers with and says is close to her heart.
“This year in Steven’s memory our Dash for Dougie falls on what would have been his 36th birthday,” she said.
“Air Ambulance is a charity I do some volunteering with and none of us know when we will need them, so please come along or put a wee donation on our fundraising page, in memory of my beautiful son.”
Swimmers of all abilities are invited to take part in the dash, while family, friends and supporters are encouraged to come along to show support and enjoy refreshments on the shore.
Grace Williams, Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, said the Dash for Dougie is about more than just the swim.
“It’s a moment to come together, remember Steven, and make a meaningful impact,” she said.
“Our thanks to our friend and volunteer Kim, her family and friends for their tremendous support for Air Ambulance NI. This is a beautiful way to remember Steven on what would have been his 36th birthday.
She added: “Every day the medical team are needed on average twice per day to help people like Hannah Babe, a student from Belleeks in Armagh, who needed the air ambulance after she was involved in a road traffic collision in 2020. Thankfully she has made a great recovery and is now a volunteer with the charity.
“As Kim said, none of us know who may need the service tomorrow and donations are essential to keep the team flying, saving lives, brains and limbs in the region. Every single donation makes a real difference in saving lives, so why not make a splash and join Kim, family and friends on Sunday, June 22.”
Further information is available at www.airambulanceni.org, or by contacting info@airambulanceni.org or 028 9262 2677.