An Ulster Rugby player who lost her father after he suffered an allergic reaction triggered by a wasp sting has launched a fundraiser for an emergency service that tried to help save his life.
Co Down woman Brittany Hogan said the Air Ambulance provided her family with “precious last hours” after her father Eamonn took ill.
Mr Hogan (43) from Kilcoo had just collected his youngest daughter Alexandra from school when tragedy struck on June 13 last year.
Brittany Hogan has started a fundraising campaign for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland in loving memory of her beloved...
Posted by Ulster Rugby on Monday 1 July 2024
He was stung by a wasp and unbeknown to him, he had a severe allergy which caused him to go into anaphylactic shock.
He pulled over as he knew something was wrong and after getting out of the van, immediately collapsed.
His daughter called family and was soon connected via 999 to ambulance control who stayed on the line with her.
An ambulance and the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team by air ambulance were dispatched as by-standers stopped and were able to provide CPR on Eamonn, until the arrival of emergency services.
He died in hospital two days later.
Brittany, a talented rugby player, has now launched a fundraising initiative to support Air Ambulance NI.
“We would like to fundraise in memory of my dad for this incredible charity who provided us our precious last hours with him,” she wrote.
“We would also like to highlight the importance of carrying an epi-pen if you have any known allergies.
“Anything you can donate would be greatly appreciated.”
Ulster Rugby has also appealed for people to support Brittany and her family who want to thank the Air Ambulance NI charity for “their valiant efforts in responding to the emergency”.
The club said the “cause is particularly close to her heart, and the entire Ulster Rugby team stands firmly behind her”.
“We urge all Ulster Rugby fans and the wider community to join us in supporting Brittany’s fundraising efforts,” the club wrote.
“Every donation, big or small, will make a real difference in helping Air Ambulance NI continue their life saving work.
“Together, we can honour Eamonn’s memory and ensure the Air Ambulance NI charity has the resources it needs to keep our communities safe.
“By sharing this story and Brittany’s fundraising initiative, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of Air Ambulance NI and the crucial role they play in saving lives.
“Brittany and her family would also like to highlight the importance of carrying an epi-pen if you have any known allergies.”
