By Julie Waters
DAREDEVIL MP Alex Easton will be taking the leap of a lifetime with a 7,000ft charity skydive to raise vital funding for North Down and Ards Women’s Aid.
Less than a year has passed since the Independent Unionist climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, raising £29,130 for local charities, Bangor Foodhub and Community Support and the Uhub mental health charity.
Now Mr Easton has set his sights on a new charity challenge; to raise £7,000 for the local Women’s Aid team by completing a 7,000ft tandem skydive, at Coleraine, in June.
He spoke of being inspired by the Bangor based charity to take the leap saying: “This is an incredible organisation that provides vital support to women and families facing domestic violence across our community.
“This is not just a charity, it is a lifeline. Every day, Women’s Aid helps people rebuild their lives with dignity, safety and hope for the future.”
Turning to his fundraising target, Mr Easton said: “I have set a fundraising target of £7,000, reflecting the 7,000 feet I will be jumping.
“While this is not a sponsored event, I am encouraging people to consider donating £1 for every foot of the skydive. If all of my supporters were to give just £1, we would reach that target and make a real difference to those who need help the most.”
The MP was also spurred on by the shocking statistic that 30 women have been violently killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, including mum of two Sarah Montgomery from Donaghadee and Patricia Aust, in Bangor.
Said Mr Easton: “Domestic violence remains a serious issue in our society, and it is essential that organisations like Women’s Aid are properly supported so they can continue their critical work.
“I would encourage everyone who can to support this effort. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly towards helping individuals and families in crisis.”
Appealing for donations, Mr Easton said: “You can give by going to my Facebook on Alex Easton MP or Alex Easton Independent, and also if you go to Northdown Women’s Aid. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
