Charity skydive funds life-saving equipment

A volunteer from Carrickfergus Senior Gateway Club has helped purchase life-saving equipment with a charity skydive.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2016, 06:00 BST
Adam Hamilton (YMCA project worker); Ivor Mitchell (YMCA general secretary); Emma McGuinness (Gateway volunteer); Thomas Haighton (Gateway leader), and Karen Graham (youth manager) present the AED to Carrickfergus YMCA. Emma completed a charity skydive earlier this year, raising over £850 to purchase the equipment. INCT 31-720-CONAdam Hamilton (YMCA project worker); Ivor Mitchell (YMCA general secretary); Emma McGuinness (Gateway volunteer); Thomas Haighton (Gateway leader), and Karen Graham (youth manager) present the AED to Carrickfergus YMCA. Emma completed a charity skydive earlier this year, raising over £850 to purchase the equipment. INCT 31-720-CON
Adam Hamilton (YMCA project worker); Ivor Mitchell (YMCA general secretary); Emma McGuinness (Gateway volunteer); Thomas Haighton (Gateway leader), and Karen Graham (youth manager) present the AED to Carrickfergus YMCA. Emma completed a charity skydive earlier this year, raising over £850 to purchase the equipment. INCT 31-720-CON

Emma McGuinness, 18, took part in the fundraising feat earlier this year, raising £850.

The funds were used to buy an AED (automated external defibrillator), which will be based outside the Carrickfergus YMCA building.

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Emma has been volunteering with the Gateway club since September 2015. “I got into the Gateway as I have two uncles with learning disabilities who attend the club, and I have always wanted to become more involved in the local community,” said Emma.

“Within the club we have different activities for the members some of which include drama, sport and arts and crafts. We would be responsible for ensuring that all the members are involved within the club and that they are having a good time and getting along with the other members.”

The local teenager described the skydive as “the most amazing experience” she has ever had. “It was all just such an adrenaline rush,” Emma added. “The best part was when I realised I was 10,000ft up and then we just jumped out of the plane. It really was unbelievable and I can’t wait to do another.”