Harvey hot foots it across fire walk

Harvey hot foots it across fire walk

2 April 2025

WHILE most politicians try not to get their fingers burnt, one local MLA has just had his feet scorched.

That’s because Harry Harvey, DUP MLA for Strangford, took part in a sponsored ‘fire walk’ at Stormont on Friday evening – all in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. 

The walk saw around 40 local supporters and volunteers come to Parliament Buildings to take on the fiery challenge of walking across coals that heated up to as high as 260 degrees celsius (500f).

Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. 

The service delivers urgent medical assistance to patients who are seriously ill or injured, offering emergency pre-hospital care directly at the scene with the aim of saving lives, as well as preventing loss of brain function and limb amputations.

It operates seven days a week for 12 hours each day, 365 days a year, and the charity aspires to raise £2.5m per year through continued public support.

Mr Harvey said he had a friend whose young girl was rescued after a car accident and that he knew someone else the Air Ambulance helped after a “serious fall”. 

“It’s an incredible organisation providing a lifesaving service to our community all across

Northern Ireland, with an average of two call outs per day,” he said.

“You never know when a friend or someone else might need it. We need to keep it in the air.”

Speaking after the challenge, Mr Harvey thanked all those who had supported and donated to the fundraiser.

“It was great to have so many friends, family, Assembly colleagues and constituents down to cheer me on,” he said.

“Many of my party colleagues and constituents thought I was mad to be willing to walk over a bed of hot coals at 500 degrees, but I was assured I wouldn’t be ending up in Accident and Emergency.”

Mr Harvey admitted he was “pretty nervous” on the build up to Friday, but “really enjoyed taking part and doing my bit to highlight the incredible work of the Air Ambulance and raise much needed funding.” 

So far Mr Harvey has raised £645 for the charity, and the public can still donate by calling into Mr Harvey’s constituency office or by donating online at

https://www.justgiving.com/page/harry-harvey-1742825856999.