Today Alan Hanna, the NFFF Treasurer and Regional Director for Northern Ireland attended the Fishermen’s Mission AGM and Awards ceremony to receive a ‘Special Award’ for his efforts in Mount Kilimanjaro Chippy Challenge.

The Mount Kilimanjaro Chippy Challenge saw Alan together with his good friend Malachy Mallon from the The Dolphin Takeaway in Dungannon undertake a world’s first, as they set-up the world’s highest pop-up fish & chip shop at the Kilimanjaro Barafu Camp while on route to the summit of the mountain.

The pair raised £27,000 in total, which included £20,000 going to The Fishermen’s Mission, £7,000 going totFortune Kids & Education Foundation Orphanage in Tanzania.

“We wanted to raise more money for the Fishermen’s Mission and we needed a big challenge to gain the sponsorship.” Said Malachy. “So at the top of the world, we did what we do best, cooked fish and chips. We had trained well for the climb and the cooking was great fun, and of course it was an amazing adventure. But it’s important to remember, the real difference we can all make in the lives of those who face daily struggles. That mixture of cheering each other on and accepting the temporary discomfort, meant we could overcome 8 days of climbing, because it was helping so many other people who have to overcome adversity every day.”

Alan added, “We were honoured and humbled with the amount of money we raised in total. We are both grateful to receive this award today. I would also like to thank you to everyone who supported us including McWhinney’s Sausages; Kerry Foods, Unique Seafood Ltd and Florigo Frying Solutions, has been superb and we had brought some of the food with us. We got potatoes at a local market and despite no running water and only a two ring gas stove, we practiced our pop-up cooking skills, for the staff and children. The sausages, fish and chips were devoured.”

The Fishermen’s Mission reaches out to both active and retired fishermen by providing practical, spiritual and financial support – as well as a vital emergency response service.

They are the only national charity that works solely to help fishermen and their families, and for over 130 years of service, the Fishermen’s Mission has stayed true to their Christian calling with a strong tradition and proud heritage.