From skydiving to running 21km – Asda Antrim team raise £5,000 for Northern Ireland charity

Saturday 17 October 2026

A team of adventurous colleagues from Asda Antrim have raised more than £5,000 for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke (NICHS), taking on a daring skydive and the Belfast Half Marathon to support a cause close to their hearts.

The fundraising effort saw staff leap from an aircraft over County Londonderry before swapping their parachutes for running shoes to tackle a 21.1km course through Belfast.

For one colleague, the challenge was particularly meaningful after the charity supported his own family earlier this year.

Taking fundraising to new heights

Six colleagues began the fundraising campaign with a sponsored skydive at Movenagh Airfield, Garvagh, raising almost £4,000 between them.

The brave volunteers were Joshua Kyle-Ewing, Scott Weir, Maggie Watt, Heather Welsh, Constance Hogg and Georgia Steele.

Warehouse colleague Joshua, 20, admitted the reality of jumping from an aircraft became increasingly daunting as the big day approached.

“When the idea of the skydive first came up, I happily volunteered, but I think the nerves started to set in as I realised what I’d actually agreed to!”

He added:

“I was so nervous the entire drive over, but it was hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done!”

From parachutes to running shoes

With the skydive completed, the fundraising continued as four colleagues took on the Belfast Half Marathon.

Georgia Steele returned for a second challenge, joining Glenn Burgess, Ricky Simpson and Laura McQuitty to complete the 21.1km distance.

For Georgia, 24, the half marathon represented unfamiliar territory, despite already having experience of skydiving.

“I did a skydive about nine years ago, so I was ready for it, but the half marathon was a completely new challenge for me. Having my colleagues running alongside me and the amazing buzz of the city really helped carry me across the finish line. It felt incredible knowing I had completed it for such an important cause.”

A cause close to home

For Ambient Replenishment Manager Ricky Simpson, 41, the decision to participate was motivated by his family's personal experience of receiving support from Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke.

Ricky explained:

“Chest, Heart and Stroke were so incredible in their support of my own family at the start of this year. So, when fundraising activities came up, it was an absolute no-brainer.”

His experience highlights the importance of the charity's work for individuals and families affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions across Northern Ireland.

NICHS provides health checks and community awareness programmes aimed at preventing illness, alongside physical rehabilitation and support for survivors, families and carers.

Celebrating a team achievement

Asda Antrim's Community and Customer Champion, Ashley Ritchie, was there to cheer on the half marathon runners as their efforts helped push the store's fundraising total beyond £5,000.

Praising her colleagues' determination, Ashley said:

“It was my absolute pleasure to be able to be there and cheer these guys across the finish line - they should all be very proud of themselves.”

From overcoming nerves thousands of feet above the ground to pushing through the final miles of a half marathon, the colleagues' efforts have turned two demanding personal challenges into valuable support for a charity helping families across Northern Ireland.