Richhill accountant Steven Rainey has marked his upcoming retirement by raising £2,890 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland after completing the 8-mile walk at the recent Belfast City Marathon.
Originally from Markethill, Steven is retiring after 42 years working as a chartered certified accountant and chartered tax advisor, and he decided to swap his calculator for walking shoes to support a charity close to his heart.
Rather than host a retirement party, he invited clients, friends, family, and colleagues to support his fundraising effort for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.
Speaking about his decision, Steven said: “I wanted to do something positive to mark my retirement and give back to a service that does such incredible work. Air Ambulance Northern Ireland relies on donations to keep flying, and I’m proud to have played a part in supporting them.”
Steven trained in the months leading up to the marathon and completed the 8-mile walk alongside thousands of other participants in May.
His Just Giving page quickly gained momentum as clients, former clients, family, friends and well-wishers rallied behind his efforts.
Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, which provides critical pre-hospital care across the region, requires around £2.5 million each year to remain operational.
A spokesperson for the charity thanked Steven, saying: “We are so grateful to Steven for choosing to support our work in this way. His donation will make a real difference to our life-saving service.”
After more than four decades in the accountancy profession, Steven says he’s now looking forward to spending more time with his wife, doing some travelling, and perhaps even taking on a few more charity challenges.
“I’m grateful for the support I received,” he added. “And I’m happy to finish my career on a high by giving something back.”
