Mark leading trek to top of African peak

Mark leading trek to top of African peak

5 June 2013

CARRYDUFF man Mark Hanna is preparing to lead a local team of first-time climbers on a fundraising trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro next week.

Mark — who is chairman of the Belfast Hospice Development Board — is embarking upon a climb of the world’s highest free-standing mountain which is almost seven times the height of Slieve Donard in the Mournes.

Reaching the summit will be no mean feat for Mark and his team, with Mount Kilimanjaro standing almost 6,000 metres above sea level. But the climbers are determined to raise as much as they can to fund the great work carried out by Marie Curie nurses across Northern Ireland.

Along with helping to organise The Time Ball in November on behalf of Marie Curie, the Carryduff man is hoping that the team’s activities will help raise in excess of £100,000 which will fund more than 5,000 Marie Curie nursing hours for terminally ill patients across the Province.

It was a personal experience of the Marie Curie Hospice which inspired the Carryduff businessman and director of local construction company, Mascott, to actively become involved with the charity and volunteer on the Development Board.

“A few years back, my father-in-law sadly suffered from terminal cancer. It was a very difficult time for us all but to see how the dedication and work of Marie Curie gave him such dignity before he passed away was very moving,” recalled Mark. “I knew then that I had to do all I could to support this wonderful charity and help them to raise awareness and funds for their services.”

To date, Mark has helped raise more than £135,000 as part of the Malone Fundraising Group which has involved running in a number of marathons, including New York and Belfast and helping to develop and organise the biennial Time Ball. Last year, the Carryduff man faced his toughest challenge by trekking to Mount Everest Base Camp.

He continued: “I celebrated my 40th birthday on Mount Everest which was a momentous achievement and one birthday I will never forget.

It was tough going, but knowing that my effort had helped to fund many hours of Marie Curie nursing for other families was inspiring as I personally know how invaluable their service is.

“Our Kilimanjaro trip will be building on this achievement as the summit is 600 metres higher than Everest Base Camp so I’m sure it will be even more gruelling.

“As our ascent will go through five different ecological zones ranging from grassy bushland and rain forest to arctic conditions at the peak, this will truly be a test for the body and the mind.”

Mark is also delighted that Tayto has pledged to donate 5p from every packet of its Share and Care range of crisps sold to the charity, with the company promising to supply the climbers with a backpack full of crisps for Kilimanjaro.

For more information and to support Mark in his fundraising activities visit www.justgiving.com/Mark-Hanna where donations will go directly to Marie Curie Northern Ireland.

Alternatively, anyone who would like to take part in a Marie Curie overseas challenge which includes trekking the Grand Canyon, the Sahara, Mount Kilimanjaro and more should visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/events2013 or telephone 0845 052 4184.