The Graham family from Garrison are “overwhelmed” by the generosity of those who have supported their fundraising campaign, which has resulted in them raising more than £10,000 so far for Air Ambulance NI (AANI) as they take on Belfast City Marathon in memory of their son and brother, Neil Graham.

Five members of the Graham family – parents Eddie and Joy, and siblings Cherith, Jonathan and Rebecca – are each running a leg of the relay on Sunday, April 30 in memory of Neil, who tragically died in May, 2018, at the age of 17 years old following a workplace incident.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter on Monday (April 17), on behalf of her family, Joy thanked all who have supported them with their fundraising so far, commenting that they are “overwhelmed with the generosity of everybody” which has led to them raising more than £10,000 so far for AANI – almost double their initial target.

“It was [my daughter] Rebecca initially who set the target of £5,500, hoping that we could raise enough to fly AANI for one day, which is what it takes.

“At this stage, it looks as if we might be able to fly it for two days, because we’re now at £10,300 before Gift Aid.

“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of everybody; family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues, it has been absolutely amazing,” she said, noting why they have chosen to support AANI with their fundraising.

“We are forever grateful for the heroic efforts of the air ambulance crew that day to save [Neil’s] life, and we know everything that could be done was done.

“It is such a vital service to have, particularly in rural parts of Northern Ireland.”

When asked how the training for the marathon relay is going, Joy said: “The training is going good, we’ve all completed our miles that we need to do for the day, so we’re just keeping it up now for the last couple of weeks.

“[My husband] Eddie and [son] Jonathan would never have really ran before, but men who farm have a level of fitness, so they are used to doing lots of steps. They’re having to increase it to running now, so they’re doing good.

“The only experienced runner in our family is Cherith, who completed the London Marathon last year. She is completing the longest leg of the event, at 7.4 miles. She has encouraged the rest of us to come on board.

“This will be the longest by far that the rest of us have ever ran.”

Saying that she thinks Neil would have “several thoughts” on his family taking on the running challenge, Joy added: “I think he would have a good laugh, plus the fact I think it will spur us on to get it done and do it as best as we can in memory of him. He’ll be cheering us on, no doubt.”

A few days after the marathon, Eddie and Joy will be taking a very special trip over to London.

Joy explained: “For our charity work, Eddie and I have been invited to a garden party in Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, May 3, by The King and Queen, and other members of the Royal Family.

“It’s part of the Coronation celebrations; they’re having a garden party and inviting people, so Eddie and I have been invited,” she added.

To support the Graham family’s fundraising effort, visit their JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/neilgraham2000.