'Exciting, nerve-racking and exhilarating all at the same time': Lisburn and Castlereagh Mayor completes skydive for Air Ambulance NI
The Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has described his charity skydive experience as “exciting, nerve-racking and exhilarating all at the same time”.
Councillor Brian Higginson took to the skies in support of his Mayoral charity, Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
After months of fundraising and anticipation, the Mayor stepped out of a plane at 15,000 feet to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity's lifesaving service.
The challenge formed part of the Mayor's commitment to support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland throughout his year in office and to highlight the charity's need to raise £8,200 every day to keep its helicopter emergency medical service operational.
Cllr Higginson said: “When I agreed to this challenge, I knew it wouldn't be the easiest thing I would do during my Mayoral year, but I also knew it was for an extraordinary cause.
"Standing at the door of the plane and looking down from 15,000 feet is a moment I'll never forget. It was exciting, nerve-racking and exhilarating all at the same time. Thankfully, there was no turning back.
"The real heroes, however, are the people behind Air Ambulance Northern Ireland who respond every day when families face some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Their pilots, doctors, paramedics, staff and volunteers make an incredible difference to people right across Northern Ireland.
"I am proud to support them as my Mayoral charity and grateful to everyone who has donated, shared my fundraising appeal or encouraged me along the way. Every contribution helps keep this vital service in the air and available to those who may need it most.
"If my leap has helped raise awareness, sparked conversations, or inspired people to support Air Ambulance NI, then it was worth every second.”
Kerry Anderson, head of fundraising at Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mayor Brian Higginson for taking on this challenge and for being such a passionate advocate for our charity throughout his Mayoral year.
"It takes courage to step out of an aircraft at 15,000 feet, but the Mayor embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm, helping to raise awareness of our work and the ongoing need for public support.
"We would like to thank everyone who has supported his fundraising efforts. Every donation helps ensure that our medical team can continue delivering critical care to people when every minute matters.”
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland provides critical pre-hospital emergency care across the region and relies entirely on public support to sustain its operations. The charity must raise approximately £3 million every year to keep the service available for those who need it most.
Having completed the challenge, Mayor Brian Higginson has thanked everyone who donated, shared his fundraising appeal and cheered him on from the ground. Their generosity and support have helped raise both vital funds and awareness for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Anyone who would still like to contribute to the appeal can make a donation online at: https://products.payments.service.gov.uk/pay/5bce2a5ff6b349a7afd011de7ff4aa35
For more information about the Mayor's Charity Appeal, go to https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/mayors-charity