A remarkable grandmother is proving that age is no barrier to adventure as she descended Belfast’s iconic Europa Hotel in aid of Air Ambulance NI.
At an incredible 92 years old, Jill, affectionately known as “SpiderGran”, took on the Air Ambulance NI Europa Abseil, joined by five of her grandchildren in a unique family fundraising challenge.
The family team raised an outstanding £20,000 which will help fund the Air Ambulance for 2.5 days, ensuring critically ill and injured patients across Northern Ireland continue to receive specialist pre-hospital care when every second counts. This incredible fundraising total was contributed to by many including a generous £1000 donation from fonaCAB thanks to Jill’s taxi driver David Barrett.
This wasn’t Jill’s first time stepping over the edge for charity. Having successfully completed abseils at both 72 and 82 years of age. Passionate about supporting charitable causes, Jill was determined to raise funds for Air Ambulance NI and inspired five of her grandchildren to join her on the adventure.
Jill said:
“I’ve always believed that age shouldn’t stop you from doing something worthwhile. Taking on this challenge with five of my grandchildren makes it even more special, and I’m delighted we could support Air Ambulance NI together. We hope our challenge encourages others to donate and help this fantastic service continue saving lives across Northern Ireland.”
Air Ambulance NI relies on public support to sustain the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The charity needs to raise £3 million each year to ensure the service can continue responding to an average of two emergency calls every day.
Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Jill and her family for choosing to support Air Ambulance NI. Jill’s determination is truly inspirational, and it’s wonderful to see how three generations came together to take on this challenge. Every pound they have raised will help the medical team bring critical care to seriously ill and injured patients, that could mean the difference between life and death.”.
Air Ambulance NI is encouraging others to follow Jill’s lead and sign up for one of its upcoming abseil challenges.
Descend the dramatic sea cliffs of Fairhead on the 19th September, scale down Belfast’s iconic Europa Hotel on the 4th October, or a new location for Belfast city centre, the Invest NI building on either the 14th November or the 5th December. By choosing one of these challenges, participants can make every metre count for local people by raising vital funds which will help save lives, brains and limbs.
To register or find out more, please visit: airambulanceni.org/support-us/challenges-and-events/
