nibog
16th Jun 2007, 17:51
Only a few days to go till the next largest mobilisation of helicopters in Ireland. This will be the 6th year of the event which provides a fun filled day out for seriously ill children. All the Helicopters, Pilots, HAMSS, and Ground Crew are donated by various providers free of charge.
Links to previous years events:
CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2006/07/10/207708/flight-tv-bubblegum-club-helicruise-2006.html)
Old Pprune Thread (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=230127&h)
nibog
24th Jun 2007, 18:18
The Bubble Gum Club (http://www.bubblegumclub.ie)
From their website:
The annual helicruise was held on Friday 22nd June. The weather was terrible and caused a major challenge for the pilots and organisers who were adamant that they wouldn't let the children down. The pilots pulled out all the stops and managed to give every child a lift, it looked touch and go but they made it including a heroic effort to lift the kids from Belfast. The planning for the helicopters was immaculate, and credit must be given to the Air Corps, Celtic Helicopters, the pilots and, of course, the owners who made a memorable day for the children. The venue, generoulsly provided by Avon Ri Corporate Lesiure Resort, stood up manfully to the demanding conditions, the event sponsors McAlpine Helicopters made sure that no child went hungry, nor got bored! The event management team led by Jackie Rafter in Weston Executive Airport, and Denise Geddes and Anne Holland at Avon Ri had an exhausting day, but kept the show on the road. The HeliTeam led by Garrett Murphy were unfazed by the major logistical problems created by the weather. The professional carers that accompanied the children did a fantastic job, and their empathy with the team in their endeavours kept the children to the fore at all times - exactly what the Club is all about. Everyone, involved from the 217 children, their helpers, the volunteers, entertainers, sponsors, pilots of the 50 helicopters, and the staff of Avon Ri were heroic and kept smiling - a special thanks to the news team from TV3 who battled the elements to provide the story you can watch here. And above all the owners of the helicopters, not only for entrusting their expensive machines to the Club, but for continuing to support us and provide one of the best days out available to any child. Video from James O'Brien and images from Declan Masterson will appear here shortly.
Well done to everyone involved:D