Newry Man Ernie Campbell Wins Spirit of NI Award

Newry volunteer fundraiser receives the top gong for his fundraising effort to provide PPE for the front line in the Covid-19 crisis.

Newry volunteer fundraiser receives the top gong for his fundraising effort to provide PPE for the front line in the Covid-19 crisis.

Newry-based community volunteer Ernie Campbell has received the coveted Spirit of NI award after a unanimous decision by a panel which included boxer Carl Frampton.

Ernie Campbell, centre, Newry fundraiser who has been supplying PPE to local health workers has been acknowledged with the Spirit of NI Award. Included are Kevin McAteer, one of the four people who nominated him, and Sean McDonnell, Ulster Bank.

The volunteer from Newry who has collected over £40,000 in donations has used the money to gather PPE for Daisy Hill Hospital and Craigavon Hospital, and for local care and domicilliary homes within the district in the Southern HSC Trust area.

Speaking on receiving his award Ernie Campbell still smiling said: “It is an honour and a priviledge to receive such an award and I am humbled to be nominated.

“However, this award is not about me it, but is about the real heroes on the frontline who have been amazing putting their lives on the line to help us.

“All this money will go towards making and buying PPE. If anyone in the Newry area needs any PPE at all, whether it is a hospital, care home or for home care, please get in touch.

“We will help anybody in the fight against Covid 19.”