By Julie Waters
NORTH Down MP Alex Easton is beginning his challenge of a lifetime this week, aiming to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Thanks to his fundraising efforts, the Independent Unionist has already raised over £29,130 for two local charities, Bangor Foodhub and Community Support and the Uhub mental health charity.
Beginning his climb on Friday, Mr Easton and his three friends – Brian McClure, Simon Robinson and Stuart Hill – will climb to an altitude of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) as they aim to reach the summit of the dormant Tanzanian volcano.
Speaking ahead of his climb, Mr Easton said: “I would ask you to please keep myself and my three friends in your thoughts and prayers as we take on this challenge in aid of two incredible local charities.
“What began as a personal goal to raise £10,000 for these charities has grown far beyond anything I ever imagined. Thanks to the extraordinary kindness of people across North Down and further afield, we have now raised an incredible £29,130, and the figure continues to rise.”
Mr Easton praised the recent ‘heartwarming’ donation from the BETS Club in Bangor, which hosted a BETS Got Talent event in support of the fundraising campaign.
“The event raised £1,300, and in an incredibly generous gesture, the winning singers donated their prizemoney to the two charities. I would like to say a huge thank you to the entire team at the BETS Club, as well as to all of the event sponsors who donated prizes, and everyone who worked hard behind the scenes to make the event such a success.”
Said Mr Easton: “From small donations of just a few pounds to the exceptional £5,000 donation from Halo Body Cams, and the success of our fundraising dinner in June, this campaign has been a powerful reminder of how compassionate and generous our community is.
Mr Easton said his physical and mental preparation for the Kilimanjaro challenge had been ‘intense’.
“Over recent months, I’ve trained regularly across the Mourne Mountains, tackling peaks like Slieve Donard, Slieve Binnian, Slieve Meelmore and Slieve Commedagh, all of which have tested my endurance and resilience. It’s been a journey of early mornings, sore legs and determination, but all worth it for the cause,” he said.
“Mount Kilimanjaro stands nearly 6,000 metres tall. It’s a challenge not just of physical endurance but of willpower, altitude, and unpredictable conditions. I’m honoured to be climbing it with three close friends whose support and friendship have been invaluable throughout this entire journey.”
His phone signal permitting, Mr Easton says he hopes to share his climb progress on his Facebook page. “I invite everyone to follow our journey from base to summit and join us in spirit as we push toward the top of Africa.
“And if you haven’t yet donated – there’s still time. You can give via my Facebook page, and every single pound will go directly to Bangor Food Bank and Uhub to help families in crisis and individuals struggling with their mental health.
“Thank you again to everyone who has donated, supported, prayed and encouraged us. We carry your good wishes with us all the way to the summit.”
