Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins, has hosted a reception for Paul Ross, the Dunloy man who was recently honoured for his fundraising efforts for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Paul tragically lost his 21-year-old daughter Lydia two years ago in a road traffic accident but has transformed unimaginable grief into an extraordinary fundraising effort, raising more than £100,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
The achievement was recognised with one of the charity sector’s highest honours after Paul’s Sky Blue Ribbon fundraising appeal was named Fundraising Volunteer Group of the Year at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland Awards.
Mayor, Councillor Dawn Huggins, paid tribute to Paul:
“The Ross family’s story is one of unimaginable loss, but also of extraordinary courage, compassion and determination.
“Paul has channelled his grief into something truly remarkable, raising more than £100,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and helping to support a service that makes such a vital difference to people across our community.
“Being recognised as Fundraising Volunteer Group of the Year is a fitting tribute to Paul, Lydia’s memory and everyone who has supported the Sky Blue Ribbon appeal.
“It was a privilege to welcome Paul and recognise his incredible contribution. His fundraising has touched so many lives, and I hope he knows just how proud the people of Causeway Coast and Glens are of him and all that he has achieved.”
The award recognises volunteer groups whose dedication and commitment have made a meaningful difference to the charities they support, with the awards recognising fundraising efforts between April 2025 and March 2026.