Marcus Christie Completes Kilimanjaro Climb to Support Air Ambulance Charity

Portrush-born Marcus Christie has conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, raising vital funds for Air Ambulance NI, totalling over £8,000. 

Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, and Marcus climbed it in honour of his mother, Joan, who passed away nearly two years ago. This recent success comes only a few months after he raised £10,000 at a Gala Ball.

Reflecting on his 7-day trek, Marcus shared, ‘The experience was amazing but extremely tough both physically and mentally. The trek takes 7 days and begins in the rainforest eventually climbing above the trees and clouds into sub-zero conditions as we get nearer to the summit. The final climb started at midnight on the 7^th day summitting at 8am which included trekking through temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius. What kept me going was the thought of my mum and the impact this charity can have. Reaching the top felt surreal and incredibly rewarding.’

Having raised over £8,000, Marcus emphasizes that this amount can make a significant difference for those in need of emergency medical services. ‘My mum required the Air Ambulance, and it could be any one of us in the future. I’m grateful to everyone who has donated, and there’s still time for those who haven’t; your contribution could save a life. 

Marcus encourages further donations through his JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/marcus-christie-1723822056621?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fmarcus-christie-1723822056621&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

Kerry Anderson, Head of Fundraising at Air Ambulance NI, praised Marcus's dedication, noting that he fully funded his Kilimanjaro challenge, ensuring that every donation directly benefits the charity.

‘Since his mother’s passing, Marcus has devoted himself to fundraising and volunteering, including climbing three peaks in 2023 and engaging with the community by providing talks on Air Ambulance and helping at fundraising events. His efforts are sure to inspire further support, allowing us to continue providing critical pre-hospital care.’

With around 30,000 people attempting to summit Kilimanjaro each year, Marcus’s achievement stands out, particularly as 50% of climbers do not reach the top due to altitude sickness.

Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, continues to be a lifeline for communities across the province, offering critical Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) that operates seven days a week, twelve hours a day.

The HEMS team is dedicated to providing urgent medical assistance to anyone in need, regardless of location, with the primary aim of saving lives, preserving neurological function, and preventing limb loss. Equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and staffed by highly trained professionals, the service delivers emergency pre-hospital care directly to patients who are seriously ill or injured.

Operating at a remarkable pace, the aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes, ensuring rapid response to emergencies. On average, the medical team is called upon twice daily to respond to a range of incidents, including serious road traffic collisions, farm or workplace accidents, sport and leisure incidents, and medical emergencies.

As a local charity, Air Ambulance NI relies on the generosity of the public to maintain and sustain its essential services, aiming to raise £2.5 million annually. Public donations are crucial to supporting this lifesaving mission. One of the simplest ways to contribute is by becoming a member of Club AANI and donating via a monthly or annual subscription.