The residents of Banbridge and the wider Northern Ireland in September 2025 drew inspiration from a truly remarkable act of kindness and bravery. A grandmother from Banbridge named Reta Mulligan plans to mark her 90th birthday not with a quiet gathering but with something more adventurous: she will abseil down the side of the Europa Hotel in Belfast to raise funds and awareness for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.
A milestone birthday with meaning
Reta Mulligan will celebrate her birthday on September 20th, but the abseil is scheduled for September 20th, one week prior to her birthday. The Europa Hotel, an iconic 12-storey building in Belfast, will serve as the backdrop for her descent – some 51 metres down the side of the hotel façade.
This is not just a stunt or a thrill-seeking adventure. It is something deeply personal for Reta. She has faced loss of lives due to cancer in her own family – her husband, Nazie Mulligan, died at the age of 63 in 1997 after battling cancer. Her son, Jim, very recently lost the battle against cancer just weeks after his 60th birthday.
Giving back through courage
Reta has been involved with cancer support before. A long time back, Cancer Focus NI, formerly known as the Ulster Cancer Foundation, was part of its “Friends” group in Banbridge. She was in support of the local shop in Banbridge and made a commitment to help in whatever way she could.
This idea for the abseil arose from a reflection on what she could do. She felt that God had provided her marvellous health by keeping her active and fit. It was high time that she did something for others. Apart from the various options that were considered by her, she decided that abseiling the Europa Hotel seemed just right: challenging, visible, and symbolic.
She will be escorted in the abseil by her youngest son, Jason, and her son-in-law, Michael (who lives in America). They will descend the hotel together to honour the memories of Nazie and Jim – and to pay tribute to all those who fight cancer, and the families affected.
Fundraising, awareness, and community support
The funds that are raised will go to Cancer Focus NI, a charity that supports cancer patients and families through their journey with services such as counselling, transportation, family support sessions, art therapy, among others. It is considered important because Cancer Focus is heavily dependent on donations; about 90% of its funding comes from supporters.
The original fundraising target seemed to be £ 1,000 for Reta, but the response of the community has been overwhelming. The total amount collected has already exceeded the target with just over a week to the abseil showcasing the strength of community spirit in supporting causes that touch people personally.
Looking ahead
As the date approaches, the excitement seems boundless for Reta – both about the challenge and the difference she was about to make. She was looking forward to doing something different. This was more than just a charity stunt for many onlookers, but a powerful statement of resilience, love, and community.
Reta Mulligan, on celebrating her 90 years of life, is offering something profound: the gift of hope. Having stepped out of her comfort zone and choosing to descend a hotel wall, she is lifting up the stories of those who have lost their battles, those still fighting, and those whose lives are touched by cancer indirectly. She is transforming a landmark birthday into a landmark moment for others.
