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RSPB Abseil Celebration
8 October 2012
Sunday 23rd September saw a team of adrenaline junkies abseil down Belfast’s iconic Europa Hotel, all with the aim of saving nature. Among the participants were a Glengormley trio eager to take part in conservation charity the RSPB’s first abseil in the city.
Environment enthusiasts Kevin Mawhinney, Judith Carville and Hayley Sherwin managed to steel their nerves to descend the 130ft drop, raising vital funds for the charity’s work in Northern Ireland in the process.
Speaking of their motivation to raise funds and awareness for the charity, Kevin said,
“We all decided we wanted to do something for the RSPB as it does a lot of great work right on our doorstep. Although the RSPB is probably better known for its international work it actually does a lot of work here in Northern Ireland, such as reintroducing Red Kites to our local countryside and opening its reserves to the public so they can get a better look at some of the wildlife that flocks to our shores”.
Communications Manager, Judith added, “Everyone always imagines the RSPB is just about birds but, in reality, it’s about so much more than that. All the money raised through the abseil will help to fund local projects such as their education programmes which serve to inspire and empower young people to look after the world they live in.”
Hayley said of the abseil experience, “I wanted to really challenge myself and do something a bit different to raise money for a charity I am passionate about. The RSPB is working hard to ensure that all the beauty we currently enjoy here in Northern Ireland continues to thrive so that future generations can enjoy it, as we do now. The abseil itself was a great experience. It certainly tested my nerves but the adrenaline rush from stepping over the edge was incredible! I am looking forward to my next challenge already!”
The RSPB is the largest conservation charity in Europe and speaks out for wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. It is a charity dependent on voluntary donations to be able to sustain the work it does in the community, as Senior Community Fundraising Officer Laura Thomson explains: “Every penny raised through this event will be spent on local conservation and education programmes. We simply couldn’t do the work we do without the support of people like Kevin, Judith and Hayley and we are delighted that they chose to take on the challenge of our first abseil to raise vital funds to support our work. The trio raised in excess of £300 which will go a long way here in Northern Ireland. Thank you to these brave fundraisers for their support!”
If you would like to step up for nature by fundraising for RSPB please contact Laura Thomson on 028 9049 1547 or email laura.thomson@rspb.org.uk