Andrew McSparran (Big Daddy Slims) and Helimed Ted
Co Antrim man Andrew McSparran, also known as Big Daddy Slims, has come on board to support Air Ambulance NI.
Andrew will be encouraging people to run, walk or relay in the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon for the charity and sharing recipes to help people in training and carb loading before the event.
Big Daddy Slims is best known for tasty, simple, one pan recipes, batch cooking and his ‘Why I never Review Stuff’ video series on Instagram.
Andrew McSparran (Big Daddy Slims) and his family meets the Air Ambulance NI HEMS Dr. Alan Laverty and Paramedic Philip Hay
A Ballymoney local, Andrew said:
“Being a dad of two young children I appreciate what Air Ambulance does for our community every day, you never know when you might need it.
“I’m not a runner but it will be lovely to help those who are walking and running in the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon with recipes to help support training and marathon day! I really encourage those who can, take part for this lifesaving service, and ensure Air Ambulance can be there for everyone who needs it.”
The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon will take place on Sunday 4th May and will feature a Marathon run and wheelchair race, Team Relay and 8 Mile Walk.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI said:
“It’s great to partner with Andrew to help raise awareness and funds. We’re looking forward to seeing what great recipes he comes up with for our medics working long hours at the base and for our runners before marathon day.
“Registration for the Moy Park Belfast City Marathon 8 Mile Walk, Relay and Full Marathon is now open at HERE so sign up, opt in to support Air Ambulance and we’ll be in touch with your fundraising pack and invitation to visit our airbase.”
Andrew McSparran (Big Daddy Slims) and Daniel Catterson from Belfast City Marathon pictured alongside Air Ambulance NI mascot Helimed Ted
John Allen, Belfast City Marathon Chairman said:
“We’re grateful to Andrew for his support and hope that committed and new Air Ambulance supporters choose to run, walk or wheel on marathon day. Whatever event you choose, we would encourage you to enter as early as possible to avoid disappointment following sell outs across all events in 2024.”
Kerry added:
“Air Ambulance NI needs to raise almost £7,000 per day to keep operational and we rely on fundraising to keep saving lives.“
Andrew McSparran (Big Daddy Slims)
Air Ambulance NI is the designated charity partner for the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon, a charity that works in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to provide the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for the region.
On average, the service is needed twice daily in Northern Ireland. Fundraising for Air Ambulance powers the aircraft to help reach the next patient in need.