Staff at Asda Antrim have raised more than £5,000 for Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke (NICHS) through a sponsored skydive and participation in the Belfast Half Marathon.

Six colleagues took part in a skydive at Movenagh Airfield in Garvagh, County Londonderry, raising almost £4,000. The participants were Joshua Kyle-Ewing, Scott Weir, Maggie Watt, Heather Welsh, Constance Hogg and Georgia Steele.

Joshua Kyle-Ewing, 20, said he initially volunteered eagerly but became nervous as the jump approached. He described the experience as one of the best things he has ever done.

Four colleagues completed the Belfast Half Marathon, a 21.1km course. Georgia Steele, who also skydived, was joined by Glenn Burgess, Ricky Simpson and Laura McQuitty.

Georgia Steele, 24, said she had skydived nine years earlier but found the half marathon a new challenge. She credited her colleagues and the city atmosphere for helping her finish.

Ricky Simpson, 41, said he took part because NICHS had supported his family earlier in the year. He called the decision to participate a no-brainer.

Asda Antrim Community and Customer Champion Ashley Ritchie attended the half marathon to support the runners. Ritchie said she was pleased to cheer them across the finish line and that they should be proud.

NICHS provides health checks, community awareness programmes, physical rehabilitation and support for those affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions in Northern Ireland.