Mark recognised for his fundraising at Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards night

Mark recognised for his fundraising at Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards night

2 July 2025

CARRYDUFF’S Mark Hanna was one of the major winners at the recent Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards.

Mark, a former student of St Colman’s High School and Sixth Form College, Ballynahinch, was awarded the Charity Champion Award for his exceptional dedication to fundraising and advocacy for end-of-life care with Marie Curie.

Since 2008, he has raised over £1m through endurance events including marathons, Ironman races, Kilimanjaro treks and by founding the Time Ball gala, which alone has raised £650,000.  

The star-studded awards ceremony took place in the Culloden Estate and Spa two weeks ago.

Now in their 16th year, the awards,? in partnership with Ulster Bank, celebrate ordinary people who do extraordinary things to support their family, friends and neighbours.  

Among those in attendance to celebrate the winners and learn more about their incredible stories were some of the most recognisable faces from the world of television, film, music and sport. 

Actor Mathew Horne, TV personality Linda Robson, local actors Ian McElhinney, Ciarán Hinds and Michael Smiley, and the cast of the BAFTA-award winning Blue Lights, were all in attendance to pay tribute to the nominees and to help them celebrate their remarkable achievements. 

Guests were treated to performances by comedian Tim McGarry, an acoustic medley by Briana Corrigan, formerly of The Beautiful South, and DJ sets by dance duo Phats & Small and Mathew Horne.  

Terry Robb, head of retail banking at Ulster Bank, said the awards were a fantastic way to celebrate local heroes who make a positive difference to the lives of others.  

“The Spirit of Northern Ireland awards have become a genuine highlight in Ulster Bank’s year as it is such a positive way to celebrate local heroes and the power of community,” he said  

“Each year we are given a powerful insight into the lives of ordinary people and see how they selflessly give their time and efforts to help those around them, and it is a genuine honour to partner with The Sunday Life to help tell these stories.”