Ministers laud Mount Everest conquerors

First Minister Rt Hon Peter D Robinson MP, MLA and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP, MLA met today with Noel and Lynne Hanna, the first married couple from Northern Ireland to scale the heights of Mount Everest.

Commenting on their remarkable success the First Minister said: “It is not often that we are given the opportunity to welcome individuals who have exhibited such drive and determination to Stormont but today we find ourselves in the presence of two such people – this extraordinary feat of fortitude and bravery should be an inspiration to all of what can be achieved with determination, courage and no doubt months, if not years, of rigorous training and sacrifice”

Adding his own personal congratulations the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “The couple’s incredible achievement was all the more noteworthy as they are using the expedition through a series of talks and events to raise £150,000 for the Ulster Cancer Foundations ‘Personal Everest Project’. This project seeks to inspire the public to become involved – set their own ‘Personal Everest Challenge’ such as losing weight, giving up smoking and setting new exercise goals – challenges for all to consider”

Both Ministers acknowledged the work that the couple have done over the years in raising funds for the Ulster Cancer Foundation and recognised the couple’s commitment and long term support for the charity.

Notes to editors:

1. Lynne and Noel Hanna made history when they became the first married couple from Northern Ireland to reach the summit of Everest at 12.26 am on Friday 22 May 2009.
2. They shared the summit – the highest point on the planet - with their expedition team members, the legendary Russian climber and guide Nicholay Cherhy; fellow climber, Canadian Patrick Singh and Russian guide, Maksim Bogatirev. Whilst on the summit they had their photographs taken by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, whose expedition team reached the summit just in advance of Lynne and Noel’s team.
3. This expedition is Noel and Lynne’s second attempt at reaching Everest’s summit as a husband and wife team. In 2005, the couple made an attempt but Lynne abandoned her summit chance when Noel was diagnosed with retinal haemorrhaging causing blindness which lasted for six weeks. Noel did however return to Everest and reached the summit in April/May 2006.
4. Lynne and Noel set off on their expedition on Tuesday 31 March 2009 and returned to Belfast on Friday 29 May 2009.
5. They live in Dromara, Co Down, Lynne is General Manager for Clarins in Northern Ireland. Noel Hanna is an endurance athlete, personal trainer and expedition consultant.
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