TWO Lucan trekkers are among the teams taking part in what has been described as one of the world’s greatest challenges.
James and Neasa O’Rourke are embarking on Trailtrekker 2012, an inspirational non-stop 50km/100km challenge for the first time in September.
Oxfam Ireland is organising the event that aims to raise thousands of euro to support their work in Africa.
Neasa said the money raised will make a real difference to people’s lives.
“These are people who we will never know, but whose lives we have changed for the better, all thanks to the generosity of our friends and families,
? she said.
“For this, all those blisters aches and pains have been worth it.
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From complete novices to seasoned hill-walkers and adventure race participants, teams of two and four people will take on the tough but rewarding challenge through the Mourne Mountains to Carlingford on September 1 and 2.
Teams of four will commit to raising
?¬2,000, the equivalent of providing temporary shelter for 20 families in an emergency, and teams of two will commit to raising
?¬1,000, the amount needed to provide an irrigation scheme that supplies safe drinking water to 1,000 people.
Each team has the option of completing a distance of 50km or 100km. Teams competing in the 50km event will be expected to complete the distance in less than 16 hours and those registered for the 100km distance will be expected to finish in under 36 hours.
Oxfam Ireland’s Trailtrekker is part of a growing worldwide phenomenon of 15 events in 12 countries. Supported by global sponsor, State Street Corporation, the Oxfam Trailtrekker and Trailwalker events are a unique fundraising effort that supports Oxfam’s mission to empower individuals, communities and organisations to create a future that is secure, just and free from poverty.
William Slattery, State Street Executive Vice President and Country Head of Ireland, said the Oxfam Trailtrekker and Trailwalker events around the world unite the passion of their employees.
“Our sponsorship makes us a global force for good in our local communities by contributing towards Oxfam’s mission to end world poverty,
? he said.
“State Street sponsored its first Trailtrekker event in 1999 and since then, thousands of employees around the world have participated in these endurance events, as walkers and as volunteers. Last year, 70 of our employees took part and we look forward to having even more of our Irish employees participate this year.
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Oxfam Ireland’s Chief Executive, Jim Clarken, said that State Street Corporation makes a very important contribution to Oxfam’s work through this partnership.
“We are very fortunate to have been working with State Street for a number of years and we are delighted that this year they have come on board as the first global sponsor of Oxfam’s 15 Trailtrekker and Trailwalker events, widely considered one of the world’s toughest charity team challenges.
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For more details tel 01-6350403 or visit www.oxfamireland.org/trek.