THE MOTHER of two boys who were critically injured in a road traffic collision has praised the air ambulance, NIAS and hospital staff for ‘saving her sons’ lives’.
Wendy Black, from Clabby, received a phone call from the PSNI at 11.25am on Easter Sunday morning in 2024 that no parent ever wants to get.
Her three sons and their father had been involved in a crash on the outskirts of Irvinestown. Her eldest son, Joshua, then 13, was critically ill.
Emergency services arrived within minutes, with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) tasked to the scene.
Joshua was airlifted to hospital in Belfast. His twin brothers, 12-year-old Jake and Dylan, were taken to the SWAH.
Jake had minor broken bones, but Dylan had sustained serious, life-changing abdominal injuries.
Dylan’s condition deteriorated and the HEMS team had to fly back and airlift him to Belfast.
Both boys were placed in intensive care following life-saving surgery. Joshua spent 21 weeks in hospital and Dylan 14.
Wendy said, “Seeing my two boys’ condition, I know without a doubt the air ambulance medical team were instrumental in saving their lives.”
The family remain on a journey of recovery but are deeply grateful to all who helped get the boys to where they are today.
Joshua has organised a fundraising quiz night to take place at the Royal British Legion, Enniskillen, on Saturday, December 13.
The event is in support of both Air Ambulance NI and the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.
For anyone who would like to support the family’s fundraiser but cannot attend on the night, donations can be made here.
