By Julie Waters
NORTH Down MP Alex Easton is reaching the peaks of fundraising success having already raised £7,000 ahead of his Mount Kilimanjaro climb.
His August challenge will take the MP and his team to an altitude of 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) as they aim to reach the summit of the dormant Tanzanian volcano.
All funds raised by the MP will be donated to his two chosen charities – Bangor Food Bank and the UHub Mental Health Charity, who support people facing food crisis and mental health challenges.
As well as his charity trek, Mr Easton is hosting a fundraising dinner at the Clandeboye Lodge on Friday, June 7; a total of 17 tables have already been sold, with donations still coming in steadily.
Ahead of his African challenge, Mr Easton is regularly trekking across the Mourne Mountains.
“The training so far has been both challenging and incredibly uplifting,” he said. “Climbing Kilimanjaro is not something you can take lightly, and I’ve been putting in the hours to ensure I’m ready, physically and mentally.
Said Mr Easton: “Having my friends and my dog Bailie with me on the trails has made all the difference. They’ve kept my spirits high and reminded me daily of the reason I’m doing this – to help those in our community who are facing their own, often unseen, mountains.”
“This will be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, but it’s nothing compared to what some families are facing every day, be it food insecurity or mental health struggles. The aim is simple, to raise as much as we can, raise awareness, and to say loudly that nobody in our community should face hardship alone.”
Looking forward to his fundraising dinner, Mr Easton said: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has purchased tickets or tables, and to the many individuals and companies who have donated so generously, not only financially, but also by providing an incredible range of prizes for our charity ballot and auction.
“The kindness of our local community has been truly humbling,whether it’s been a business donating a service, a family giving what they can through JustGiving, or someone simply offering a word of encouragement, every gesture has helped build momentum and bring us closer to our fundraising goal.”
“This is a cause that unites people,” Mr Easton concluded. “It’s about compassion, community, and stepping up when others are struggling. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I invite everyone to get involved, whether it’s by joining us at the dinner, donating online or simply spreading the word.”
There are still a limited number of places available for the dinner. Tables of 10 are available at £1,000, with individual seats priced at £100. To book a table, purchase individual tickets, or donate to the cause, contact the office of Alex Easton MP or visit his official Facebook and JustGiving pages.
