Lakeland Dairies has announced their recent fundraising activities have raised a total of €41,144 for its charity partners, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland and Irish Cancer Society.

Lakeland Dairies is one of Ireland’s major co-operatives, with 3,200 suppliers producing two billion litres of high-quality milk annually.

This milk is used to manufacture more than 240 products,.

Speaking at the presentation, Liz Shouldice, chief people officer at Lakeland Dairies said: “We are extremely proud of the support shown for our Charity of the Year partners right across the business.

"Both organisations are close to the hearts of our people, and the funds raised will help support vital services that make a real difference to our local communities, both north and south of the border."

Colleen Milligan, business development and project manager of Air Ambulance NI, said that they thank the Lakeland team for the fundraising efforts.

Milligan also thanked the Lakeland team members for giving their time by volunteering at events, donating gifts for other fundraisers events and bringing so much energy and spirit to supporting the charity.

She said: "Their commitment has played a significant role in saving lives, and we thank them for their invaluable contributions as we look forward to the next chapter together."

Caoileann Appleby, head of fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society said: “We are deeply grateful to Lakeland Dairies for their remarkable fundraising efforts in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Appleby also said that as an organisation, it only receives 5% of its funding from the state, so a contribution not only "reflects Lakelands' compassion", but also strengthens the society's "ability to provide vital care, support and research that saves lives".