Chance to join in with Trailtrekker

I would like to invite Banbridge readers to take part in Oxfam Ireland’s Trailtrekker event and join almost 100 teams from all over Ireland and further afield who have registered for this most rewarding of team challenges.

So far 13 counties are represented, from Armagh to Waterford and Donegal to Clare and we’d love more teams from Banbridge to make this a truly all-island event, with every county throughout Ireland involved.

Trailtrekker 2010 will take place from 4-5 September, starting in Newcastle, Co Down and finishing in Carlingford, Co Louth. Teams of four will trek 100km in 36 hours, walking together by day and by night through some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery in the world famous Mourne Mountains, the Ring of Gullion and Tain Way.

It’s a big commitment, both in terms of time and energy, but the rewards make it all worthwhile and it’s very achievable, especially with a bit of training – for example, a high proportion of participants (289 people, 78% of entrants) successfully crossed the finishing line last year.

Trailtrekker is not only a demonstrable success in terms of those who complete the course, but also as Oxfam Ireland’s top fundraising event of the year. Trailtrekker 2009 raised over 315,000, enough to fund Oxfam Ireland’s entire programme in Rwanda, where we support Development and Peacebuilding.

So by signing up a team for Trailtrekker not only will you be improving your own life but also making a real difference to the lives of people suffering poverty and injustice in the developing world.

You can register now at www.oxfamireland.org/trailtrekker.

Yours faithfully

Grace O’Neill

Oxfam Ireland’s Community Events Manager